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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Paul McGrath

Question:

213 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if garda numbers at Castlepollard Garda station, County Westmeath, have been reduced; his views on whether additional Garda manpower is warranted for the area in view of the fact that the town is growing rapidly due to recent housing and commercial developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13073/99]

The detailed deployment of garda personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that the current personnel strength of Castlepollard Garda station as of 18 May 1999, is one sergeant and two gardaí. I am also informed that this number of personnel has remained unchanged for the last six years.

I am further informed that Castlepollard garda station is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Outside these hours the sub-district is policed by the district patrol car from Granard station and the divisional traffic corps. There is also one official vehicle, a vanette, allocated to Castlepollard. This vehicle is also utilised by the Multyfarnham sub district.

There is one neighbourhood watch scheme in operation in Castlepollard and one community alert scheme in the sub-district.

The crime situation pertaining to Castlepollard Garda station is as follows:

Year

Crimes

Detected

Percentage Detection Rate

1997*

21

10

48 per cent

1998*

35

21

60 per cent

*Figures are provisional.
The Garda authorities are satisfied that the current policing arrangements in place in Castlepollard are adequate to meet the policing requirements of the area. However, I am assured that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Castlepollard sub-district will be considered in the overall context of the needs of other garda districts throughout the country.
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