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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1988

Vol. 377 No. 8

Written Answers. - Dublin Metropolitan Area Policing.

72.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will give details of the plans for community policing in the K district of the Dublin Metropolitan area of the Garda Síochána; if the project is to be extended to any other districts in the DMA; if the overall manpower for the DMA is being increased to meet the staffing requirements of the community policing project and the back-up task force; if he will give details of the extra equipment which is being made available for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that community policing schemes have recently been introduced on a pilot basis in eight areas of the Northern Division of the Dublin Metropolitan Area, including Finglas South, Corduff and Blakestown-Fortlawn in the ‘K' District of that Division. The Garda authorities will monitor the schemes so that their contribution to improved policing in the area in question can be assessed. There are no proposals at present to extend these schemes to other areas but the matter will be kept under review in the light of experience.

The Garda authorities state that these schemes are aimed at using existing resources as effectively as possible in meeting the policing needs of the community and that it is not envisaged that additional manpower or equipment of any consequence will be required in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. Essentially what is involved is the assignment of particular members to full-time patrol duties in specific areas. The intention is that these members will provide a visible Garda presence in their assigned area and that they will act as a link between the local community and the Garda Síochána generally.

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