Vol. 456 No. 3
109 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice when a sergeant who will reside in the town will be appointed to a town (details supplied) in County Mayo, in view of the fact that this position is currently vacant and the number of late night disturbances in the town has increased. [13684/95]
The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of manpower and resources to individual areas. I am informed by them that the position of sergeant at the Garda station in question is vacant since the retirement of the former sergeant there on 2 September 1991. There are two gardaí attached to the station at present. In addition, one of the sergeants based at Westport has responsibility for supervision in administration and operational matters at Newport and they report that this arrangement is proving satisfactory to date.
An official vehicle allocated to Westport is shared by the members attached to Newport and Louisburg stations for the purpose of patrolling both subdistricts. In addition the traffic corp unit based at Castlebar together with the detective units at both Westport and Castlebar frequently patrol the Newport area.
The Garda authorities are aware of a number of late night incidents which have occurred in the town but they are satisfied that such incidents are being dealt with effectively by the local gardaí. I understand from the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the present strength and resources are adequate to meet the policing needs of the area and they have no plans at present to alter these.
