asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the grave concern in Limerick about the high incidence of crime there; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to deal with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Crime Rate.
112.
Mr. O'Donnell
I assume that the Deputy is referring to Limerick city.
The incidence of crime in Limerick is not disproportionately high having regard to the population of the city. There has been an increase in the incidence of larcenies but the incidence of other indictable offences has not fluctuated greatly there in recent years.
The detection rate for indictable crimes is being maintained at about 80 per cent, the highest for any large urban area in the country.
The number of gardaí in Limerick is higher than ever. It has been substantially increased in recent years and the total strength is now 175. The Limerick Division has been reorganised and a second district headquarters established at Edward Street. There are now five cars and two motorcycles, all radio-equipped, allocated to gardaí in the city.
I am satisfied that a reasonable proportion of Garda resources has been allocated to Limerick and I am pleased that the detection rate there is so good. I can promise that Limerick will get its fair share of any new Garda resources.