asked the Minister for Justice if he proposes to increase Garda strength in the Donnybrook, Dundrum, Rathfarnham and Tallaght areas, Dublin, because of the rapid increase in population.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Garda Strength.
33.
As I have stated in reply to previous questions regarding Garda strength, I am having a general review of the distribution of the force carried out by the research and planning unit of the Garda Síochána. The claims of stations in the DMA to increases in strength are being examined as part of this review. I am not in a position at this stage to say what increases, if any, will be made in Garda strength in the areas mentioned.
The Garda barracks in most areas of Dublin, particularly the growing areas, are under-strength. When will the Minister have this review?
The review is being carried out by the research and planning unit all the time. The strength of the unit has recently been increased by the addition of two further senior civil servants in order that they may expedite their work. At present the unit are examining the position in relation to certain stations in North County Dublin. I imagine they will get to this area shortly.
Will it be 12 months, six months or three months?
I cannot speak with any certainty about what area the research and planning unit are going to deal with next but they should deal with this area very shortly.
34.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will be prepared to receive a deputation from the residents of Lusk, County Dublin, regarding his decision to reduce the strength of the Garda force in the Lusk station.
The reduction in the strength of Lusk Garda station on 1st October, 1970, was consequential on a rearrangement, for policing proposals of the Donabate, Portrane and Lusk areas which resulted in a substantial reduction in the area to be policed from Lusk. The rearrangement was recommended by the Garda commissioner in the light of a report from the research and planning unit and was designed, as I explained to the Deputy in reply to his question last week, to provide for the more efficient policing of the whole area.
I have received no representations from residents in Lusk since the rearrangement took effect and I have been assured by the commissioner that the present strength of Lusk station is adequate for the efficient policing of the reduced area now being served by it.
I think that, in these circumstances, it would be better to wait until some experience has been gained of the operation of revised arrangements. If, at that stage, the residents of Lusk indicate that they wish to send a deputation in the matter I shall arrange to have them received.