asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda presence in Oldcastle, County Meath, will be on a 24-hour basis as this would combat the number of large robberies which are taking place at present and would help towards the protection of traders and the public in general.
Written Answers. - County Meath Robberies.
616.
Limerick East): The detailed deployment of Garda manpower is a matter for the Garda authorities and the precise arrangements for the policing of particular areas are made by or in consultation with the local Garda officers.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the current Garda strength at Oldcastle station is one sergeant and two gardaí and that a vacancy for a garda which arose on 3 November will be filled in the near future.
The authorities report that it would not be feasible at present to provide a 24-hour service from Oldcastle station having regard to the strength of the station party. The service provided by the Garda at Oldcastle is supplemented by a 24-hour service and mobile patrols from the district headquarters at Ceanannus Mór and the authorities consider that these arrangements are adequate to meet the present police needs of the Oldcastle area.