Vol. 471 No. 1
185 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself with the level of Garda cover in Dundalk, County Louth; the number of gardaí in the areas of Dundalk, Omeath, Carlingford, Dromad and Hackballscross; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20224/96]
The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that Dundalk, Omeath, Carlingford, Dromad and Hackballscross Garda sub-districts are within the Dundalk district of the Louth/Meath Garda division. The current strength, as at 1 November 1996, of the sub-districts involved is 126.
I understand from the Garda authorities that each of the sub-districts are regularly covered by foot and mobile patrols and when necessary these are augmented by patrols from other stations in the district. The stations at Dundalk, Omeath, Hackballscross and Dromad are open on a 24 hour basis and Carlingford Garda Station is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The Garda authorities have informed me that there are 26 neighbourhood watch schemes in operation in the Dundalk area. A business watch scheme is also in operation in Dundalk and the local district officer and gardaí regularly liaise with members of the local business community. Community alert schemes are in operation in the Omeath, Carlingford and Hackballscross areas.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the present deployment of Garda personnel and resources to all of the areas referred to is adequate in meeting current policing needs. I understand that such deployment is reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjustments made as necessary.
