Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Jul 1996

Vol. 467 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

298 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the current position regarding the Garda strength in the Dundalk area of County Louth particularly the suggestion that Dundalk is to lose 20 gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14467/96]

Dermot Ahern

Ceist:

299 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice the current position regarding the numbers of gardaí in the Dundalk area of County Louth in view of the suggestion that the numbers serving in Dundalk are to be reduced by 20; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14486/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.

I assume the Deputy is referring to the proposed transfer of the Louth/Meath Garda divisional headquarters from Dundalk to Drogheda. I understand from the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas, that the current strength of Dundalk Garda station is 93 gardaí (all ranks). They have informed me that it is envisaged at present that the following personnel will be transferred from Dundalk station to Drogheda station when the proposed transfer is effected: one chief superintentent, one superintentent, two sergeants and seven gardaí. All the above are associated with the functions of the divisional headquarters.