asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the recent designation of Stillorgan, County Dublin, as a town in the draft country development programme and the increase in the level of crime in South Dublin, he will approve a new Garda station there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Stillorgan (Dublin) Garda Strength.
43.
Limerick East): The Garda authorities consider that the current arrangements whereby the Stillorgan area is served from Blackrock station make the best use of available resources and there are no proposals at present for the provision of a separate station at Stillorgan.
The problem about providing extra Garda stations, apart from the difficulties associated with getting suitable sites and the high building costs involved, is that manning them absorbs Garda manpower which might be used more effectively on outdoor patrol duty in the areas concerned. Ten extra gardaí were allocated to Blackrock station since September 1982. The increased strength has provided for improved policing arrangements for the areas served from that station and the question of a further increase in strength at the station will be considered when the recruits at present in training are being assigned.
Questions Nos. 44 and 45 postponed.