Vol. 503 No. 3
467 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will sanction the establishment of a Garda station in the Castletroy area in Limerick in view of the serious concern about crime and vandalism in this area, and especially the concern of university students to ensure that the campus and environs of the university are safe and secure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9648/99]
477 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, to establish a Garda station in Castletroy, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 477 together.
The detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas is a matter for the Garda authorities who have advised that the Castletroy area is situated in the Limerick City North Division. The policing of it is divided between the sub-district of Henry Street and Castleconnell. Henry Street Garda station is open to the public on a 24 hour basis.
The University of Limerick caters for approximately 10,000 students. During peak periods such as rag week, pre-Christmas and post exams a number of extra gardaí are deployed on foot patrol to deal with any public order related offences. There are two community gardaí assigned to the Castletroy area. They operate Campus Watch with the student and university authorities. There is a temporary office, Garda clinic, on campus one day a week to cater for student requirements and also to liaise with student union representatives and college authorities in addressing complaints from residents and other interested parties. The Garda authorities have informed me that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Limerick division will be considered in conjunction with all other divisions throughout the country.
The Garda authorities have also informed me that due consideration has been given to the possible development of a Garda station at Castletroy. Research carried out recently indicates that crime in the district is down 19 per cent between 1991 and 1998 and while the population increased by 3.5 per cent between 1991 and 1996, unemployment is down 18.8 per cent over the same period.
