Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

253 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí available for patrols in the communities comprising of Knocklyon, Dublin 16; the ratio of garda per head of population, which in the case of Knocklyon is 16,000, as compared to other areas, both rural and urban, of similar population; the number of gardaí which serve the parish of Knocklyon; the number dedicated to community policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2298/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas is the responsibility of the Garda authorities.

They have informed me that the Knocklyon area is policed by the gardaí attached to Rathfarnham Garda station and the current Garda strength comprising all ranks at Rathfarnham station is 62 members.

According to the Garda authorities the population of the sub-district of Rathfarnham is approximately 65,000 and the ratio of gardaí per head of population is 1:1048. They point out, however, that meaningful comparisons could not be made with other rural and urban areas of similar population since the levels of deployment of Garda personnel are determined by reference to the overall policing needs of each particular location.

The Garda authorities also inform me that the Knocklyon area is regularly patrolled by both uniform and plain clothes members. When required, these patrols are augmented by the divisional task unit based at Crumlin Garda station. There are two community gardaí assigned to the Knocklyon area of the Rathfarnham sub-district.

I am assured by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the current policing arrangements for the Knocklyon area are adequate to meet the policing need of the area. These arrangements are kept under continual review and changes made as necessary.