asked the Minister for Justice the reason there were no gardaí on duty in Ardee town, County Louth, on Saturday, 13 October 1984, when a fatal incident took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
398.
Written Answers. - County Louth Policing Arrangements.
397.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will arrange to have Garda night patrols in Ardee town, County Louth.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 and 398 together.
The precise arrangements for the policing of individual areas are a matter for the Garda authorities. They report that night patrols are operated in Ardee by the local station party to the maximum extent possible, having regard to available resources and other demands on Garda services, and that the area is covered from the district headquarters at Navan outside the hours when the local members are on patrol.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the fatal incident referred to in Question No. 397 took place shortly after 3 a.m. at a time when local gardaí were not on duty but that the local sergeant was on the scene very quickly and three other members of the Ardee station party arrived a short time later.
I understand an additional Garda was assigned to Ardee station on 2 November 1984 and that this has enabled the local patrolling arrangements to be improved. The current patrolling arrangements for Ardee are generally in line with those in operation in other similar sized towns. I am informed that it would not be practicable to extend patrolling hours at present having regard to overall resources but the police needs of the area will be kept under review.