Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

218 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of extra gardaí available for duty in the towns of Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock, Clane and Naas in County Kildare; the extra number required to augment strength at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15329/01]

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 Celbridge, Maynooth, Naas and Clane are in the Garda district of Naas. Kilcock and Leixlip are in the Garda districts of Ashbourne and Lucan, respectively.

The personnel strength, all ranks of these districts, as at 22 May 2001, is as follows:

District	Strength
Ashbourne	68
Lucan	157
Naas	117

Garda personnel assigned to these districts, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. I have been assured that Garda authorities will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in these districts, with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of Ashbourne, Lucan and Naas districts will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.