Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

307 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request the Garda authorities to clarify the reason for the removal or loss of community gardaí in the Navan Road area of Dublin 7, including the Ashington Priory and Riverstown areas; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a significant increase in anti social behaviour causing serious concern to residents in the Navan Road area, since the removal of the local community gardaí; if he will convey the concerns of residents of the Navan Road, Dublin 7 area to the Garda Commissioner that the withdrawal of community gardaí from their area has had a serious negative impact and to request a report from the Garda Commissioner on the matter; and if he will request a report from the Garda authorities indicating the timescale for the re-deployment of community gardaí in the Navan Road area of Dublin 7. [29258/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that there has been no removal or loss of community gardaí in the Navan Road area of Dublin 7, including the Ashington Priory and Riverstown areas.

Any reports of anti-social behaviour are dealt with promptly. Both the Ashington and Riverstown estates are patrolled regularly by uniformed and plain clothes gardaí. The divisional crime task force and traffic units also supplement these patrols.

The deployment of gardaí at Cabra Garda station is constantly under review to ensure the policing needs of the area are fully addressed.