Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Mar 2001

Vol. 532 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

550 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there is a need for an increase in the number of gardaí serving in the Carlow-Kildare division, in view of the 80% increase in indictable crimes in this area from figures produced in relation to the provisional crime statistics for 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7979/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that the manpower strength, all ranks, of Carlow-Kildare division as at 1 January for each of the last four years and currently is as set out as follows:

Year	Strength
1998	292
1999	294
2000	307
2001	303
13/3/2001	314

The figures represent an increase of 7.5% in the manpower at Carlow-Kildare division between 1 January 1998 and 13 March 2001.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there has been an 8% increase in indictable crime in the area according to figures produced in relation to the provisional crime statistics for 2000.

Garda management is satisfied that the current manpower strength at Carlow-Kildare division is adequate in meeting the present policing needs of the area.

However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional manpower next becomes available the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

551 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the present distribution of 24 hour manned Garda stations in County Kildare is satisfactory given that the existing stations at Naas, Newbridge and Kildare town are all close to each other; his further views on whether a 24 hour manned Garda station is required in the Maynooth/ Leixlip/Celbridge district, notwithstanding that Leixlip is in a South Dublin Metropolitan area; if he will indicate to the Commissioner, that better policing would be achieved if Maynooth Garda Station was updated to a district headquarters with 24 hour coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7980/01]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that there are three Garda stations in County Kildare open on a 24-hour basis – Naas Garda station, Kildare Garda station and Newbridge Garda station.

There are currently no plans to extend the opening hours of any other Garda stations in County Kildare. The extension of station opening hours to 24-hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoors administrative duties. Such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties.

Maynooth and Celbridge Garda stations are in the Naas District. Naas Garda station is open on a 24-hour basis.