Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

244 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, there are to appoint gardaí to be stationed at Castlebridge, County Wexford in view of the fact that this is one of the largest villages and most rapidly growing areas in the county and in view of the demands of the residents in this regard; and if he will take the matter up with the Garda authorities. [19368/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel and resources to individual areas. They have informed me that Castlebridge is a substation of Wexford Garda station which is situated four miles away.

I understand that the strength of Castlebridge Garda station as of 3 November 1997 is one Garda who resides in the area. The station at Castlebridge is open between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. daily. For the remainder of the day the Garda is on outdoor duty. When the station is closed a direct communications system, linked to the district headquarters at Wexford, which is open on a 24-hour basis, comes into operation. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the district patrol car at Wexford Garda station is utilised in patrolling the Castlebridge area and that these patrols are augmented by the detective branch and the divisional traffic corps patrols which also operate within the district. In addition, checkpoints are carried out in the area as part of the regional anti-crime operation "South East". I understand that personnel from the district headquarters at Wexford are utilised, when required, to respond to calls in the area when the member at Castlebridge is unavailable for duty. I have been further informed that one community alert scheme is in operation within the Screen and Curracloe areas.

The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied that policing needs of the Castlebridge area are being adequately met from within the current deployment of resources and that there are no plans at present to increase the strength of Castlebridge Garda station. However, they have assured me that the policing arrangements for the area will be monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure that an effective Garda service to the area is maintained.