Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dundalk (Louth) Garda Station.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

591 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, further to her reply to a parliamentary question raised by Deputy Ahern in relation to the reduction of Garda numbers in Dundalk, County Louth, if it was taken into account that an inspector had already been moved to Drogheda and that the position of collator, which had been vacant, had not yet been replaced; whether the position of collator will be filled in Drogheda and not in Dundalk; the total number of personnel, Garda and civilian, who will be transferred or have been transferred to Drogheda further to the divisional headquarters move; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15326/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I understand from the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas, that prior to September 1994, there were two uniform inspectors in both Dundalk and Drogheda Garda stations. When an inspector in Drogheda retired in September 1994, his replacement was allocated to Dundalk. In February this year this new inspector transferred to Drogheda to assist in the preparatory arrangements for the transfer of the divisional headquarters, thus restoring the status quo in relation to uniform inspectors in both stations.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the position of collator will be filled at Drogheda station. However, should the current collator not transfer to Drogheda it is envisaged that he will be absorbed into the uniform operational strength at Dundalk.

I understand that it is planned to transfer the following personnel from Dundalk station to Drogheda station when the proposed transfer of divisional headquarters is effected: one chief superintendent; one superintendent; two sergeants; seven gardaí; one clerical assistant (typist).

As outlined in my previous reply to Deputy Ahern, all of the above staff are associated with the functions of the divisional headquarters.