asked the Minister for Justice if he will have the Garda strength at Lisdoonvarna, County Clare increased following the recent outbreak of rowdyism by persons who visited Lisdoonvarna and Doolin during Easter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lisdoonvarna Garda Strength.
9.
A garda who has been temporarily assigned to another station is due to return to Lisdoonvarna at the end of the month.
In accordance with normal practice, extra gardaí will be assigned to the station during the tourist season.
About a year ago at my request the Minister increased the Lisdoonvarna strength for the tourist season. I am very grateful for that. That followed a minor rowdy incident. Easter is considered a holiday period and there is quite an influx of people to north Clare at Eastertime. I am sure the Minister has established that there was rowdyism. It was a very serious incident and there was no garda available in Lisdoonvarna at the Easter week-end.
I am aware that there were complaints by Deputy Loughnane, Deputy Callanan and Deputy Hogan O'Higgins in connection with what were described as scenes of vulgarity in Lisdoonvarna and Doolin. There were only three complaints of what I might call actual crimes and they were trivial. I am also aware that there were a large number of people in Lisdoonvarna and Doolin over the Easter, a larger number than was anticipated. The garda have taken notice of this and at any other special holiday period more attention will be given to Lisdoonvarna. Extra attention will be given during the summer as in previous years and, for periods such as Easter or bank holidays outside the normal summer period, I am arranging that extra gardaí will be made available in this area.