Willie Penrose
Ceist:184 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice when a garda will be allocated to Rathowen, County Westmeath, to replace the garda who retired some time ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2445/96]
Written Answers - Garda Deployment.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the vacancy at Rathowen Garda station was filled on 9 January 1996.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:185 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice when a garda will be allocated to Kilbeggan, County Westmeath to replace the Garda who retired in September 1995; if a Garda patrol vehicle will be made available specifically to Kilbeggan gardaí rather than on the shared basis which currently exists between Kilbeggan and Moate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2446/96]
The Garda authorities are responsible for the allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas. They have informed me that the present strength of Kilbeggan Garda station is one sergeant and two gardaí. This has been the strength since the retirement of a garda on 23 September 1995. Having reviewed the situation following this retirement the Garda authorities assure me they are satisfied that the current strength is adequate in meeting the policing needs of the Kilbeggan area. I have also been informed that there is a patrol van attached to Kilbeggan and Moate Garda stations which is available when required. Patrolling of the Kilbeggan area is augmented from the Athlone and Mullingar Garda stations. The Garda authorities have informed me that the divisional officer for Mullingar is satisfied that the transport arrangements for the two stations are adequate and that it is not proposed to allocate additional official transport to Kilbeggan station.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:186 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice when a replacement sergeant will be appointed to Ballynacargy Garda station in view of the fact that this station serves a wide area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2447/96]
The Garda authorities are responsible for the allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas. They have informed me that the present Garda strength of Ballynacargy station, which forms part of the Granard District, is two gardaí. Following the retirement of the last serving sergeant on 10 August 1993, the garda strength at Ballynacargy Garda station was reduced to one garda. I am informed by the Garda authorities that an additional garda was assigned to Ballynacargy on 22 March 1994 bringing the station strength to two gardaí. I also understand that a sergeant was allocated to Multyfarnham station, which also lies within the Granard District, on 30 September 1993. The Garda authorities have informed me they are satisfied with the present policing arrangements in Ballynacargy. However, they have assured me that these arrangements will be kept under continual review and any adjustments made accordingly.
Séamus Hughes
Ceist:187 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Justice when she intends appointing a sergeant to replace the retired sergeant in Bangor Erris, County Mayo in view of the escalating rural crime rates. [2448/96]
The deployment of Garda personnel to different areas is a matter for the Garda authorities. I understand from them that the sergeant allocated to Bangor Erris retired on 15 December 1995 and that they propose to fill this vacancy as soon as possible with due regard to the need to fill similar vacancies in other divisions.