Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2004
201 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the three Garda stations which cover the Cabra area of Dublin 7; the number and rank of gardaí in each case; the number of community gardaí and the areas they cover; the number of gardaí available for foot patrol; and the plans to increase the number of gardaí in each station during 2005 in view of the needs of the area covered. [34081/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Cabra Garda station is the primary Garda station for the Cabra area. The Bridewell and Mountjoy Garda stations provide personnel for adjoining areas. The personnel strength of Cabra Garda station on 15 December 2004 was 64, across all ranks. The personnel strength of the Bridewell and Mountjoy Garda stations at the same date was 167 and 91, respectively.
There are two community gardaí with specific responsibility for the areas of Cabra west, Dunard estate and the various housing estates off the Navan Road. The personnel strength of the community policing units attached to the Bridewell and Mountjoy Garda stations on 15 December 2004 was 14, across all ranks in both stations. Two community gardaí attached to the Bridewell Garda station have responsibility for and are assigned to the Cabra area of the district, which includes Annamoe, Old Cabra Road and McKee Park. Two community gardaí attached to the Mountjoy Garda station have responsibility for and are assigned to the Cabra area of the district, which includes St. Attracta Road and Christ the King Church.
I am very pleased to note that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the agreed programme for Government. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force. The commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Cabra area will be fully considered within the context of policing needs throughout the country. The additional resources will clearly be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. The additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline operational, high-visibility policing and they will have a real impact.
