Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

296 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of operational gardaí committed to crime fighting and community policing in the Dublin 15 area; the figures from 1997 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17997/01]

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 Blanchardstown Garda station polices the Dublin 15 area. It should be noted that Dublin postal areas do not correlate to Garda boundaries. All Garda personnel allocated to Blanchardstown Garda station are committed to investigating crime and community policing.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the manpower strength of all ranks at Blanchardstown Garda station as at December 31 for the years 1997 to 2000 and currently is as follows:

1997	89
1998	94
1999	104
2000	106
18/6/01	104

These figures represent an increase of 19% in the manpower allocated to Blanchardstown Garda station since December 1997. Two additional gardaí are due to be allocated to Blanchardstown Garda station on 22 June 2001. Manpower levels will be kept under review and when additional manpower next becomes available the needs of Dublin 15 will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.