Vol. 468 No. 4
692 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Justice the reason a decision pertaining to the location of a garda (details supplied) has been taken; if she will reverse this decision; if her attention has been drawn to the serious community concern pertaining to this decision; if she will ensure that the current position is maintained at this location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16025/96]
The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. They informed me that the area referred to by the Deputy forms part of the community policing initiative in operation in the district, and as part of this there is one garda allocated to the station in question. The whole area is also covered by mobile patrols. It is understood that this garda will soon be transferred to another location and the consequential vacancy will be advertised, complete with official accommodation, in the normal way.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the strength of this station in 1962 was one sergeant and two gardaí and has never exceeded this level. At present, in addition to the garda serving at the station, one of the three sergeants based at the administrative headquarters has responsibility for policing in the area. The Garda authorities are satisfied that these policing arrangements are satisfactory but they will keep them under constant review.
