Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 7

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

167 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda numbers stationed at Rathcoole, County Dublin; if he will consult with the Garda authorities in relation to the provision of a 24 hour station and increased staffing levels for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

The detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that Rathcoole Garda sub-district was transferred from the Carlow-Kildare Garda Division to the Dublin metropolitan area west Garda division in March 1998. The personnel strength pertaining to Rathcoole Garda station in recent years is as outlined hereunder:

Date	Strength (All ranks)
2-12-98	17
31-12-97	11
31-12-96	12

It can be seen from these figures that the personnel strength of Rathcoole Garda station has improved considerably in the recent past.

I am further informed that Rathcoole Garda station is open to the public each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. When the station is unmanned, the telephone call diversion system linked to the district headquarters at Ballyfermot comes into operation. In addition, the Rathcoole patrol car provides mobile patrols for 22 hours out of each 24 hour period.

The Garda authorities have also informed me that the opening of Rathcoole Garda station on a 24 hour basis is not recommended at present as they are of the opinion that gardaí are better utilised on outdoor patrolling duties than engaged in the additional administrative duties which would be necessitated by increasing the opening hours of Rathcoole.