Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Strength.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Question:

278 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will, as a matter of urgency, appoint extra gardaí to Howth Garda station so that foot patrols will be provided on a regular basis in view of the number of visitors and tourists who visit Howth on a regular basis and in view of the vandalism and unsocial behaviour cased by youths in the area covered by Howth Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13310/00]

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

The Deputy is aware that I have increased Garda numbers in the past three years by 600 members and am on course to meet the Government target of a Garda strength of 12,000 by the year 2002. While I, as Minister, am responsible for providing additional Garda personnel, their detailed allocation to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities.

I am informed, in this regard, that the current personnel strength of Howth station, as of 15 May 2000, is 35, all ranks. I am also informed that there are five official vehicles allocated to Howth. There is a continuous Garda presence in the Howth village area and in the summer months and at weekends additional foot patrols are deployed in the Howth village and seafront area. I am further informed that these resources are augmented by patrols from district mobile units as the need arises.

The Garda authorities have also informed me that local management is satisfied that the best possible Garda service is being provided to the Howth sub-district with the current deployment of resources. The situation will, however, be kept under review, and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Howth will be fully considered in the overall context of the needs of other stations throughout the country.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Question:

279 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to provide constant foot patrols in Howth following reports of serious vandalism from the Martello Tower, Howth where youths are throwing missiles, for example, bottles and bricks from this elevated area onto Harbour Road, Howth in the vicinity of the promenade, which is creating a serious danger of injury to the general public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13311/00]

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

The detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to an individual area is a matter for the Garda authorities who have informed me that there is a continuous Garda presence consisting of mobile and foot patrols in the Howth village area. I am also informed that, in the summer months and at weekends, additional foot patrols are deployed in the Howth village and seafront area. An additional mobile patrol is also available to respond to public order incidents.

I am also informed that the measures currently in place are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure their continued effectiveness and this is reflected in the fact that there has been no substantial increase in the level of reported crime in the Howth sub-district over the last number of years.