Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

248 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed at Tramore Garda station in each of the past ten years; the area which is covered from the Tramore Garda station; his views on whether there is a sufficient number of gardaí available; the proposals, if any, he has to increase numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/00]

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

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that the Garda personnel strength at Tramore Garda station for each of the past ten years is as set out in the following table:

Year	Numbers (all ranks)
1 Jan. 1991	24
1 Jan. 1992	24
1 Jan. 1993	27
1 Jan. 1994	25
1 Jan. 1995	24
1 Jan. 1996	23
1 Jan. 1997	22
1 Jan. 1998	23
1 Jan. 1999	23
1 Jan. 2000	25

I am also informed that Tramore sub-district has a population of approximately 8,000 people which increases over the summer months due to its attraction as a holiday resort. The sub-district covers an area of approximately 18,815 acres and includes six hotels, 12 public houses, three licensed clubs and one local authority housing scheme.

I am further informed that Tramore district covers the sub-districts of Kill, Kilmacthomas, Kilmeaden, Portlaw, Leamybrien, Stradbally and Rathgormack with the distance of these stations from Tramore being as follows:–

Station	Distance in Milesfrom Tramore
Kill	10.5
Kilmacthomas	17
Kilmeaden	9
Portlaw	13.5
Leamybrien	21.5
Stradbally	9
Rathgormack	22.5

The sub-district of Tramore is bordered by the sub-districts of Kill, Kilmeaden, Waterford and Dunmore East and covers the area approximately half way to these sub-districts which is approximately 5.5 miles in the case of Kill, five miles in the case of Kilmeaden, four miles in the case of Waterford and 5.5 miles in the case of Dunmore East. The national primary route from Rosslare to Cork also passes through the sub-districts of Kilmeaden, Kilmacthomas and Leamybrien – covering approximately 22 miles of the route.

I am further informed that the Garda authorities are satisfied with the current level of policing in Tramore but keep the situation under continual review. When additional personnel next become available, the needs of Tramore will be considered in conjunction with the needs of other districts-divisions throughout the country.