Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 5

Written Answers. - Rathkeale (Limerick) Garda Strength.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

53 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to increase the complement of gardaí in a place (details supplied) in County Limerick because of the large influx of travellers at certain times of the year; and if her attention has been drawn to the concern within the community.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

58 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the unique situation that prevails in Garda Stations (details supplied) in County Limerick, she will approve a patrol car for both locations on a full time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 58 together.

The Garda authorities inform me that they are unaware of a unique situation prevailing in Garda stations in Limerick as opposed to conditions which prevail in other Garda stations throughout the country.

According to the Garda authorities the current strength at Rathkeale station is seven gardaí and it is intended to appoint a sergeant to the station when the current promotion competition to sergeant is completed at the end of June. The Garda authorities are satisfied that these arrangements are adequate to meet the policing needs of the Rathkeale area. The Garda authorities also inform me the Superintendent from Askeaton meets regularly with members of Rathkeale community council to discuss any concerns they might have and to assure them of Garda attention.

There is a motorcycle assigned to Rathkeale station on a permanent basis. In addition, a patrol car serves both the Rathkeale and Foynes areas on a fulltime basis. The Garda authorities have no plans to alter these arrangements at present.