asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the high level of crime and vandalism in the Rowlagh and Neilstown areas of Clondalkin, Dublin 22; if he has satisfied himself that Garda manning levels are adequate to deal with these problems and ensure a speedy response to calls for assistance from the public; if there are any plans to increase foot patrols or to introduce a Garda community policing programme in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Clondalkin (Dublin) Crime and Vandalism.
52.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the position in relation to the subject matter of this question is as follows.
The level of recorded crime in the Rowlagh and Neilstown areas has not increased in the first ten months of this year in comparison with the corresponding period last year.
The local Garda officers meet regularly with representatives of local residents and discuss with them possible ways by which the policing of these areas from Ronanstown station can be improved. The current Garda strength at Ronanstown station is considered to be adequate to meet the present police needs of the sub-district. The allocation of local manpower to foot patrolling duties can vary from time to time depending on the availability of manpower, commitments to other duties, etc. but foot patrolling is supplemented by mobile patrols operating from Ronanstown station and by mobile units based at Clondalkin station. Mobile units from the district headquarters at Ballyfermot are also available to respond to calls for urgent Garda assistance from the Rowlagh and Neilstown area and every effort is made to provide such assistance in the shortest possible time.
There are no proposals at present to establish a community policing scheme in the Ronanstown sub-district but the Garda authorities assure me that the police needs of all areas of the sub-district are being kept under continuing review.