Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

John Browne

Ceist:

233 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider increasing the number of gardaí in Courtown, Gorey, County Wexford, during the summer months in view of the normal large influx of visitors during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10322/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Garda authorities are responsible for the allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas.

I am informed by them that the current Garda strength at Courtown Harbour garda station is three members and this is an increase of one member since the end of 1994. One mobile unit is allocated to the station and this is utilised for patrolling the area. The Garda authorities report that when required, additional patrolling is done by the district patrol car based at Gorey and by the divisional traffic corps unit from Wexford.

During the tourist season, Garda personnel from Gorey, Carnew and Bunclody stations assist the local gardaí in Courtown as required. The district detective unit and the divisional traffic unit provide additional patrols in the area throughout the summer season.

The Garda authorities inform me that they are satisfied with the present policing arrangements. They assure me that these arrangements are kept under continual review and any adjustments necessary are made.

John Browne

Ceist:

234 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider increasing the number of gardaí in Rosslare, County Wexford, during the summer months to cater for the increased population during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10323/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas is the responsibility of the Garda authorities.

They have informed me that Rosslare is policed by the members attached to Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Pier garda stations. The current Garda strength at each station is two and seven respectively. Each station has a mobile unit allocated to it and these are used in patrolling the respective sub-district. The Garda authorities have also informed me that the district detective unit and the divisional traffic corps unit augment the patrolling in the area as required.

During the summer season and during bank holiday weekends, the Garda authorities report that the Garda strength at Rosslare is augmented, as required, by personnel from within Wexford district. During the peak tourist period personnel from both stations in Rosslare combine for the purpose of carrying out joint patrols in the area and the detective unit and divisional traffic corps based at Wexford also perform additional patrols.

The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied with the current policing arrangements in Rosslare. I have been assured by them that these policing arrangements are kept under continual review and any adjustments necessary are made.

John Browne

Ceist:

235 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider appointing an extra garda to Kilmuckridge-Morriscastle, County Wexford, in view of the large number of tourists who visit this area every summer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10324/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The allocation of Garda personnel and resources to different areas is the responsibility of the Garda authorities.

They have informed me that the Kilmuckridge-Morriscastle area is situated within the Blackwater sub-district of the Enniscorthy district. The area is policed as part of the rural policing scheme with Blackwater station being the area headquarters for Blackwater, Oylegate and Oulart. The Kilmuckridge-Morriscastle area is patrolled by members of the Garda Síochána attached to all three of the above Garda stations. The combined current strength of the Garda personnel of the three stations now stands at seven with one mobile unit allocated to each station.

In addition, patrolling of the Kilmuckridge-Morriscastle area is augmented by the district detective unit based at Enniscorthy and the divisional traffic corps unit based in Wexford. During the summer season and bank holiday weekends, the divisional officer at Wexford arranges for additional patrols to be provided in the area by these two units.

The Garda authorities inform me that, having regard to the policing requirements of Enniscorthy district and Wexford division generally, they are satisfied that optimum use is made of available personnel and resources in providing an adequate policing service throughout the entire division. I am assured by them that current policing arrangements are kept under continual review and adjustments made as necessary.