Vol. 571 No. 1
1094 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the community in Brittas, County Dublin, regarding the need for increased Garda activity in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19596/03]
I am informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the Brittas area is policed by Tallaght Garda station in the DMR south division and Rathcoole Garda station in the DMR west division.
The personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 18 September 2003 was 161, all ranks. This represents an increase of 28, or 21%, in the personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since 31 December 1997.
The personnel strength of Rathcoole Garda station as at 18 September 2003 was 23, all ranks. This represents an increase of 12, or 109%, in the personnel allocated to Rathcoole Garda station since 31 December 1997.
The community garda allocated to the Brittas area is in regular contact with the local community and reports their concerns to the district officer in Tallaght who then allocates the necessary resources to deal with these concerns. Resources are augmented from within the district-division as required.
The area is also patrolled by the district detective units and divisional traffic units.
Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Brittas area with a view to ensuring an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Brittas area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda divisions throughout the country.
