Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Austin Currie

Question:

812 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether his attention has been drawn to dissatisfaction (details supplied) with the level of policing in Rathcoole, Saggart, Newcastle, Brittas, Kill and adjoining areas in County Dublin; the proposals he has to improve the level of policing in those areas to remedy the deficiencies highlighted by Saggart and Rathcoole Community Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24838/00]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda sub-district of Rathcoole comprises the town of Rathcoole and the villages of Newcastle, Saggart and the adjoining areas. It covers a total of 14,180 acres. The sub-district became part of the Dublin Metropolitan Area – DMA – on 23 March 1998.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas that the current personnel strength – all ranks – of Rathcoole Garda Station is 19 – comprising of two sergeants, one inspector, 14 gardaí and two detective gardaí. These figures do not include a member from Rathcoole station who is currently on United Nations duty. The personnel strength at the station as at 1 January for the last three years is as follows:

Year	Personnel Strength
1998	11
1999	17
2000	19

I am also informed that the patrolling of Rathcoole is augmented by the divisional drug, traffic and task force units which have a combined strength of 44 – all ranks.

Rathcoole Garda station is open to the public each day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The extension of the current opening hours is at present under review. Outside these hours the telephone is redirected to Clondalkin Garda station and it is envisaged that the Garda "Green Man" will be connected to Clondalkin station within the next number of weeks.

A patrol car attached to Rathcoole station is operated on a 24 hour basis. Where necessary, patrol cars from other stations within the district – Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot – respond to calls for assistance if the Rathcoole patrol car is otherwise engaged. All these mobile patrols are directly under the control of the Garda communications centre at Harcourt Square which ensures that all emergency calls are responded to expeditiously.

Outside the present opening hours, gardaí are available to patrol the sub-district. These patrols are performed in the official patrol car and by foot patrols to ensure a visible presence in the Rathcoole area. Crime figures for Rathcoole sub-district indicate a 10.9% decrease in recorded crime during the first ten months of 2000 compared to the same period of 1999. Statistics in respect of 1996 to 1999 (January to September, inclusive) are as follows:

	1996	1997	1998	1999*
Total
Recorded	231	199	236	268
Detected	81	77	121	131
% Detected	35%	39%	51%	49%

* Figures are provisional.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there were two incidents of criminal damage to the People's Park on 29 June 2000 and 20 August 2000. Five youths have been arrested and are being dealt with under the Garda juvenile liaison scheme.

The allocation of Garda resources to Rathcoole Garda station will be closely monitored to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. When additional resources next become available, the needs of Rathcoole will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of all Garda districts throughout the country. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the town of Kill is situated in the district of Naas which is part of the Carlow-Kildare division. Kill has its own Garda station. Rathcoole was part of the Naas district prior to its inclusion in the DMA.