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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Strength.

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

140 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the residents in the catchment area (details supplied) concerning the restricted garda hours and restricted Garda service and visibility in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25306/00]

I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas that the current personnel strength, all ranks, of Rathcoole Garda station is 19 – comprising two sergeants, one inspector, 14 gardaí and two detective gardaí. These figures do not include a member from Rathcoole station who is currently on United Nations duty. The personnel strength at the station as at 1 January for the last three years is as follows:

Year

Personnel Strength

1998
11
1999
17
2000
19
I am also informed that the patrolling of Rathcoole is augmented by the divisional drug, traffic and task force units which have a combined strength of 44, all ranks.
Rathcoole Garda station is open to the public each day from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. The extension of the current opening hours is currently under review. Outside of these hours the telephone is re-directed to Clondalkin Garda station and it is envisaged that the Garda "Green Man" will be connected to Clondalkin station within the next number of weeks.
A patrol car attached to Rathcoole station is operated on a 24-hour basis. Where necessary, patrol cars from other stations within the district – Clondalkin, Ronanstown, Ballyfermot – respond to calls for assistance if the Rathcoole patrol car is otherwise engaged. All of these mobile patrols are directly under the control of the Garda communications centre at Harcourt Square which ensures that all emergency calls are responded to expeditiously.
Outside of the present opening hours, gardaí are available to patrol the sub-district. These patrols are performed in the official patrol car and by foot patrols to ensure a visible presence in the Rathcoole area.
Crime figures for Rathcoole sub-district indicate a 10.9% decrease in recorded crime during the first ten months of 2000 as compared to the same period of 1999. Statistics in respect of 1996 to 1999 – January to September, inclusive – are as follows:

1996

1997

1998

1999*

Total

Recorded

231

199

236

268

Detected

81

77

121

131

% Detected

35%

39%

51%

49%

* Figures are provisional
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there were two incidents of criminal damage to the People's Park on 29 June 2000 and 20 August 2000. Five youths have been arrested and are being dealt with under the Garda juvenile liaison scheme.
The allocation of Garda resources to Rathcoole Garda station will be closely monitored to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. When additional resources next become available the needs of Rathcoole will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of all Garda districts throughout the country
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