Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 6

Written Answers. - County Dublin Garda Strength.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

120 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice the strengths of the Garda Síochána in Coolock, Raheny and Howth Garda Stations, County Dublin; if these strengths have changed over the years from 1988 to 1993; the plans, if any, she has to increase Garda numbers in these districts because of the recent crime waves; her views on the progress being made to apprehend the so-called Northside Rapist and to curb the current epidemic of car theft and other rising crime incidents in these districts.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

The Garda strengths at Coolock, Raheny and Howth Garda stations during the years 1988 to 1993 are set out as follows:—

31 December	Coolock	Raheny	Howth
1988	104	61	38
1989	100	61	31
1990	98	59	29
1991	96	60	31
1992	96	62	40
28/2/93	98	61	39

The allocation of Garda manpower as between individual stations is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The policing of these three areas is augmented by the Divisional Task Force as required. Station strengths are a matter of on-going review by the Garda authorities having regard to local situations.

With regard to a number of sexual assaults on the Northside of Dublin, I am naturally very concerned that such attacks should occur. While it is not the practice for the Minister for Justice to comment on the progress of specific Garda investigations, I can say that the investigation into the sexual assaults in this area is being vigorously pursued. Regular conferences are being held by the Garda Officers concerned to review all aspects of the case and the support of the community has been enlisted by local effort and by use of the Crimeline Programme. I am hopeful that these efforts will result in the apprehension of whoever is responsible.

Provisional crime figures for 1992 for the Raheny, Coolock and Howth areas taken together indicate a significant decrease since 1990, while the indications are that the incidence of unauthorised taking of vehicles in these sub-Districts has fallen substantially in recent years.