Vol. 517 No. 2
129 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to increase the number of Garda personnel at the nearby Annagry Garda station in view of the recent series of incidents at Donegal international airport, Carrickfin, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9393/00]
The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have informed me that the current personnel strength of Annagry Garda station is one Garda and that an additional member of Garda rank is due to transfer there on Thursday, 30 March 2000.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that there has been two incidents at Donegal International airport involving criminal damage to airport lighting. The first incident on 13 December 1999 involved the smashing of all navigational and runway lights at the airport. In total £49,000 worth of damage was caused and a full investigation was carried out. No person has, as yet, been charged with the offence. The second incident occurred between 5 p.m. on 14 March 2000 and 9 a.m. on 15 March 2000. An investigation team has been established at Annagry and a thorough investigation is currently being carried out.
I am informed that extra attention is being given to the airport and that the Garda authorities are satisfied that the investigations into both incidents are receiving appropriate attention.
