Vol. 471 No. 8
96 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to a request from the Melrose/Kinsealy area of County Dublin for the appointment of a second community garda; and, if so, if she will have arrangements made to make such an appointment. [22333/96]
The deployment of Garda personnel is the responsibility of the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the Melrose/Kinsealy area is policed by the gardaí attached to the Malahide Garda station and the area is regularly policed by foot and mobile patrols both uniform and plain clothes. In addition, the area is patrolled under Operation Dóchas, the strategy introduced on 7 October last, which is principally to combat the drugs problem but also extends to crime generally and all policing matters.
The Garda authorities report that there is a community garda assigned to the Melrose/Kinsealy area and he frequently liaises with the local community. In addition, the community policing vehicle based at Swords Garda station also patrols the Melrose/Kinsealy area on a regular basis. The Garda authorities report that they are satisfied that the Melrose/Kinsealy area is receiving adequate Garda coverage to meet its policing needs. They assure me, however, that the present policing arrangements are kept under continuous review and changes made as necessary.
