Vol. 561 No. 2
307 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the promised extra seven gardaí to be relocated to the Limerick division on 13 January 2003 have been deployed; his further plans to strengthen the force in Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3911/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources and personnel to individual areas, that seven additional gardaí were allocated to the Limerick Garda division on 13 January 2003. An additional probationer Garda was also allocated to Limerick division on 31 January 2003. In addition a further two gardaí transferred to the Limerick division on 11 February 2003.
During the forthcoming allocation of probationer gardaí on 28 March, 2003 the needs of the Limerick division will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
308 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety being felt by the community at Tynagh, Loughrea, County Galway, over the lack of Garda presence attached to the Tynagh Garda station; his proposals to increase the Garda presence in the village and area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3928/03]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Tynagh Garda station is in the Loughrea Garda district. The current personnel strength of the Loughrea district is 42, all ranks. Tynagh Garda station is open to the public from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday inclusive. When not open, a public access call box and call diversion system is in operation and connected to the district headquarters in Loughrea.
The Tynagh area is policed by gardaí from the Loughrea district and from the community policing headquarters in Portumna. Resources are augmented from within the district-division as required. The area is also patrolled by the divisional traffic unit. I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the current personnel strength of the area is adequate to meet the present needs of the area. However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Tynagh Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the overall needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
