asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to reports of undermanning of Garda stations in west Waterford, in particular Tallow; and his plans to rectify the situation.
Written Answers. - West Waterford Garda Stations.
302.
I understand that there have been local demands for increased Garda strength particularly at Tallow.
The position is that the detailed deployment of Garda manpower is a matter to be decided primarily by the Garda authorities. The authorities have informed me that the current strength assigned to the stations in the west Waterford area is the maximum that can be provided at present having regard to overall resources and other demands on Garda services.
I understand that, while the strength at Tallow station was reduced by one Garda earlier this year, the current overall strength in the Dungarvan District shows an increase of one over the strength on 31 December, 1981. The Divisional Officer proposes to allocate an additional Garda to Tallow as soon as circumstances permit and it can be taken that the police needs of the district as a whole will be kept under review.