Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 1

Written Answers - Garda Deployment.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

276 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will increase the number of gardaí in Rathangan, County Kildare; if not, if he has satisfied himself with the present number in the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3307/99]

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

The Garda authorities are responsible for the detailed deployment of Garda personnel to individual areas.

They have informed me that the current staffing strength of Rathangan Garda station – as of 5 February 1999 – is one sergeant and one garda. Policing of the area is also augmented by the Kildare district patrol car; Monasterevin and the traffic corps at Naas.

The Garda authorities have further informed me that they are satisfied with the existing policing arrangements at Rathangan Garda station and while it is not intended to increase the permanent strength of Rathangan at this time, every effort will be taken to ensure as much Garda attention as possible from existing district and divisional resources.

As additional members of garda rank become available during 1999, the needs of the Carlow-Kildare division will be considered in conjunction with the needs of other divisions throughout the country.