Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

231 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Justice if she will appoint a resident garda at Ballyglass garda station. Claremorris, County Mayo in view of the increased feeling of isolation of this community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10191/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The allocation of Garda personnel and resources is the responsibility of the Garda authorities.

They have informed me that the current Garda strength of Ballyglass garda station is one garda who resides in Castlebar. The area is patrolled by a mobile unit based at the district headquarters in Castlebar and the detective unit and traffic corps unit from Castlebar also patrol the Ballyglass area.

The Garda authorities inform me that they are satisfied with the present policing arrangements for the Ballyglass area and I have been assured that these arrangements are being kept under review and any adjustments necessary will be made. One of the considerations which will be included in the review will be the suitability for occupation of the official married quarters in Ballyglass. The Garda authorities have requested the Office of Public Works to carry out a survey of the building to assess this. When the results of the survey are known the Garda authorities will be in a better position to consider the practicality of having a resident garda in Ballyglass if that were considered desirable for operational reasons at some stage in the future.