Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013
447. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will examine the need for a Garda station to be provided in a growing town in County Dublin; if this is not possible in the immediate short term, if he will ensure that there is a greater Garda presence on the beat in the town to deter petty crime and drug dealing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42127/13]
View answerAs the Deputy is already aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of demographics, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Donabate forms part of the Swords Sub-District and that personnel attached to Swords Garda Station are charged with the responsibility for the provision of a full policing service in the neighbourhood.
The personnel strength of Swords Garda Station on 31 August 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 75. There are also 9 Garda Reservists and 2 Civilians attached to Swords Garda Station.
There are currently no plans to establish a Garda Station in the Donabate area as this would be incompatible with current policing policy and such a move would result in valuable resources being diverted from frontline policing to administrative duties.
A structured and effective policing programme is in force in the Sub-District supported by several specialist units including the Divisional Task Force, Divisional Traffic Unit, District Detective Unit, District Drugs Unit and the Special Detective Unit.
