Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 6

Written Answers. - Coolock (Dublin) Garda Station.

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

115 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice whether she has studied the correspondence (details supplied) from Moatview-Fairfield Development Association, Dublin 17 regarding a decision to remove five gardaí from Coolock Garda station to tend to Border duties; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this area is already undermanned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12131/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 222, 224, 225 and 234 of 5 June 1996 in relation to the BSE situation.

The Garda authorities have informed me that the current Garda personnel — all ranks — allocated to Coolock Garda station is 92 members. There are three mobile units allocated to the station and these are utilised in patrolling the subdistrict along with foot patrols. These patrols are augmented by patrols from the detective unit, crime prevention unit, drug unit and community policing unit all based in Coolock. The divisional task force unit based in Santry assists when required. The community policing unit regularly liaises with local residents and the business community in Coolock and their patrols of the area are mainly on foot. The Garda authorities inform me that two of the gardaí from the community policing unit are assigned to the Moatview-Fairfield area. I also understand that, as with other stations in the Dublin metropolitan area, a small number of gardaí have been assigned to the Border on BSE protection duties.

The Garda authorities are satisfied that the present policing arrangements for the Coolock area are adequate. However they have assured me that the deployment of personnel within the Coolock area is being kept under continual review and adjustments will be made as necessary.