Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

265 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he proposes to increase the number of gardaí available in the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth, Celbridge, Kilcock, Clane and Naas in County Kildare; the full compliment of gardaí in each location at present; the plans he has for augmentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26070/00]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas that Celbridge, Maynooth, Naas and Clane are in the district of Naas. Kilcock and Leixlip are in the districts of Ashbourne and Lucan respectively.

The Garda Commissioner is not in favour, for operational reasons, of releasing details of individual Garda station strengths in Garda districts and I share that concern. The current Garda personnel strength – all ranks – however, for the above districts is as follows:

Ashbourne	70
Lucan	151
Naas	112

Resources are augmented from adjoining districts as required.

I am also informed that Garda management is satisfied that the current strength of the above locations is adequate in meeting the policing needs of these areas.

However, the situation will be kept under review, and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Leixlip, Maynooth, Celbridge, Kilcock, Clane and Naas will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.

Question No. 266 taken with Question No. 99.