Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

420 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to ensure that an additional member of the Garda Síochána is appointed on a permanent basis to the Killucan-Rahanry area in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23143/01]

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 current personnel strength – all ranks – at Killucan Garda station is two. This has been the case for a number of years. I am further informed that resources are augmented from within the division as required. The area is patrolled by the district detective unit and divisional traffic unit. There are three community alert schemes in operation in the area. A patrol car was allocated to Killucan in December 1999.

Local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently in place at Killucan are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. However, the situation will be kept under review, and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of the Killucan area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.