Vol. 522 No. 2
393 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the people in south County Meath (details supplied) in relation to the number of serious crimes carried out and the lack of Garda patrols in the area; his views in relation to a proposal to establish a traffic corps to be based in Trim, if he will increase Garda manpower in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18104/00]
I am informed by Garda authorities that the level of indictable crime in the Enfield sub-district has remained static over the past four years, with 51 crimes reported in 1996, and 48 reported in 1999. With regard to Garda patrols in the area, I am informed that patrol cars are attached to Trim, Enfield, Sum merhill and Ballivor stations. I am further informed that Garda patrols in Enfield are supplemented by the Trim district uniform patrol car, the detective branch car, and when the need arises, by members from Ballivor and Summerhill stations. The Garda authorities are satisfied that these arrangements are sufficient to meet the patrolling needs of the area.
I understand that a traffic corps unit is currently based in Kells, and that another operates from Drogheda. I am informed that both adequately service the requirements of the Trim district. In relation to Garda strength, I am informed that the current manpower level of Trim district is 47, all ranks, but this number will be increased by one to 48, when a Garda will be transferred to Trim station in the near future.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the district Garda strength is deployed to meet the overall policing needs of the district as a whole, and to provide maximum cover to areas at risk to criminal activity. Garda strength is constantly monitored and the allocation of additional gardaí to areas is kept under review.
