asked the Minister for Justice the number of reported break-ins to (a) business premises and (b) private houses in Rathdowney, County Laois in the past three years; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there were two further break-ins in Rathdowney business premises in the first two weeks of this month; that there has been a number of break-ins to private houses there recently; if he will increase the strength of the Garda Síochána there; if he will provide a squad car to service this area; the plans he has to alleviate public anxiety in view of the increase in crime over the years in the town; and the measures he proposes to take to combat crime in this area.
Written Answers. - Rathdowney (Laois) Crime.
78.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 33 break-ins, including 11 at private houses, have been recorded in the Rathdowney Garda subdistrict since 1 January 1986.
The detailed arrangements for the policing of particular areas are a matter for the Garda authorities, who in deciding these arrangements take into account the incidence in an area of offences such as that referred to in the question. The local Garda officers consider that the present arrangement whereby the sergeant and three gardaí who are stationed in Rathdowney are supported by mobile patrols, including nightly crime prevention patrols, from Abbeyleix District Headquarters makes the best use of available manpower and provides an adequate service. The policing arrangements for the Rathdowney area are kept under review to ensure that any particular needs which may arise are met.