asked the Minister for Justice in view of the recent serious incidents of vandalism in the Howth, Sutton and Baldoyle areas with particular reference to recent serious occurrences of vandalism in the Offington area, if as a matter of urgency, he will provide extra Gardaí in Howth Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Provision of Extra Gardaí.
197.
The allocation of manpower to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities who inform me that the current Garda strength at Howth station is the most that can be provided at present, having regard to overall resources and the many other demands on Garda services in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The local Garda officers consider the policing arrangements for the Howth subdistrict, including the Offington Avenue area, to be reasonably satisfactory.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that provisional figures for reported crime in the Howth subdistrict for the first eight months of this year show a reduction on the figures for the corresponding period last year and that every effort is being made to bring about a further improvement in the situation.