Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

160 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if she will request the Garda to report on the action, if any, they are taking in response to the concerns of residents (details supplied) in the Navan Road/Kinvara area of Dublin 7. [20542/96]

Tony Gregory

Question:

162 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice if additional gardaí will be made available for foot patrol duties in the Navan Road area of Dublin 7, where local gardaí allege there are only four available gardaí in the area. [20544/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 162 together.

The deployment of Garda personnel is the responsibility of the Garda authorities. I have been informed by them that the Navan Road-Kinvara area is policed by the gardaí attached to Cabra Garda station where the current strength of Garda personnel (all ranks) is 82.

They also inform me that the Navan Road-Kinvara area receives regular Garda attention by way of mobile and foot patrols from both uniform and plain clothes personnel attached to Cabra station. In addition the area is also patrolled by members of the Drugs Unit based at Cabra Garda station and by members of the Divisional Task Force based at Santry station. "Operation Dochas" is in operation in the area and is proving successful in targeting crime and drug related activity.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the level of crime in the area since 1993 shows a downward trend.

The Garda authorities assure me that the local divisional officer is satisfied that the present deployment of personnel and resources are adequate in meeting current policing needs. The situation is, however, kept under constant review and changes made as necessary.