Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Jack Wall

Question:

171 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the number of gardaí in Carbury, County Kildare; if he has further satisfied himself that the gardaí have the proper equipment to deal with crime in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23761/99]

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

The detailed allocation 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 Carbury Garda station, as of October 1999 is one sergeant and one garda.

I am also informed that the Garda station opens from 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm on Monday, Thursday and Saturdays and from 10.00 am – 1.00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays. When unmanned, the "Greenman" facility and telephone call diversion system linked to the district headquarters at Kildare comes into operation. I am further informed that members attached to Carbury and Robertstown Garda stations have joint use of the official vehicle allocated to Robertstown and this is utilised in patrolling the sub-district. The reason that transport is shared between both Garda stations is to maximise Garda resources. This patrolling is also augmented as necessary by other resources from within Carlow-Kildare Garda division.

There are nine official vehicles allocated to Kildare district and these resources are utilised at the discretion of the district officer, depending on the operational requirements in the district. In addition, patrol vehicles and traffic corps from the Kildare-Newbridge district regularly patrol the Carbury sub-district.

The recent crime figures pertaining to Carbury Garda station are as outlined hereunder:

Date	Recorded	Detected	% Detected
1996	23	7	30%
1997	14	3	21%
1998	20	4	20%

The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied that the best possible Garda coverage is being provided in the Carbury area with the current deployment of resources. The situation will, however, be monitored and reviewed with a view to ensuring that a satisfactory policing service is maintained. When additional personnel next become available, the needs of Carbury will be fully considered in the overall context of the needs of all other Garda districts and divisions throughout the country.