Jim Higgins
Question:382 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is proposed to appoint a Garda sergeant to Ballycastle Garda station, County Mayo. [15815/98]
Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.
The detailed allocation of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the current strength of Ballycastle Garda station as of 31 May 1998, is one garda who resides in Ballycastle village. They add that no member of sergeant rank has been attached to Ballycastle since 1985 when the previous incumbent transferred.
The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied that the present policing arrangements in place in the Ballycastle area are adequate to meet its needs. They further inform me that there are no plans at present to allocate a sergeant to Ballycastle. However, I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and that when additional personnel become available for allocation the needs of the Ballycastle sub-district will be fully considered in the context of the needs of other Garda districts throughout the country.