Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jun 1998

Vol. 491 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment

Liz McManus

Question:

193 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase the numbers of Garda personnel in the Rathdrum and Roundwood areas in County Wicklow, in view of the fact that they are down on the official number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13144/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the strength of Rathdrum and Roundwood Garda stations at present and for the previous two years is as follows:

Station	31-12-1996 No. of Gardaí (all ranks)	31-12-1997 No. of Gardaí (all ranks)	30-04-1998 No. of Gardaí (all ranks)
Rathdrum	4	4	3
Roundwood	4	3	3

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there are official marked patrol cars allocated to both Garda stations which are utilised in patrolling the sub-districts. I understand that policing of the Rathdrum and Roundwood areas is augmented as required by personnel from adjoining Garda stations. In addition, the divisional traffic corps and district detective unit patrol the area on a regular basis.

The Garda authorities report that they are satisfied that the best possible Garda service is being provided in the Rathdrum and Roundwood sub-districts with the current deployment of resources. However, they have assured me that the situation will be kept under review and that when additional personnel become available for allocation the needs of these sub-districts will be fully considered in the overall context of the needs of other districts throughout the country.