Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

146 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice if he will re-appoint a Garda for Ballycroy, County Mayo, and Mulranny, County Mayo, who will live in the area in view of the fact that there have been new houses and a Garda station built in these areas; and the change, if any, there has been in Government policy in relation to gardaí living in the area in which they work. [14945/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda manpower and resources to individual areas. They have informed me that there is one garda attached to the sub-station at Ballycroy which was built in 1985. I am also informed that the same garda has been attached to the station since March 1986 and he availed of the married quarters attached to the station from that time to 1989. In 1989 the garda concerned moved home to Achill, a distance of 17 miles from the Ballycroy Garda Station. However, he has continued to reside at the official quarters on a part time basis for the duration of his tour of duty. I am assured by the Garda authorities that they are satisfied that the Ballycroy area is served well by the current garda attached to the local station and he is assisted, when required, by the Sergeant and one garda who are attached to the parent station at Bangor Erris.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there is one garda attached to the sub-station at Mulranny, which was converted from a private house in 1991 and forms part of the Westport District. Its parent station is Achill which has a strength of one sergeant and three gardaí. While Mulranny Garda Station has the appearance of a private house, it is unsuitable for living accommodation purposes. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that there is no other Garda accommodation available in the Mulranny area. I understand from the Garda authorities that the garda attached to Mulranny station resides in Castlebar which is a distance of approximately 24 miles away. This garda works in close co-operation with the gardaí attached to Achill station. The Garda authorities are satisfied that this arrangement provides an adequate Garda service to the area.

I understand from the Garda authorities that members of the Force are encouraged to reside in, or close to, the districts in which they work. However, a member cannot be compelled to reside in any particular area. There are no regulations requiring members of the Force to reside in a specific location except, for example, where members are allocated official accommodation, i.e. married quarters or agency houses. In addition Garda regulations specify that no unmarried member of the gardaí is obliged to live in official accommodation.

Of course, I am anxious to have as many gardaí as possible living in the areas in which they work, partiularly in rural areas, and there is a commitment to this effect in the programme for Government. The question as to how this might be achieved is under examination with due regard to the right of members of the Force to choose where to live.