Vol. 526 No. 1
118 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the correct Garda staffing levels for Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole, County Wicklow; the plans he has to increase this level in view of the fact that these areas will most likely undergo large population increases over the next few years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/00]
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 of Newtownmountkennedy Garda station is four, all ranks. Kilcoole is policed by Greystones Garda station which has a current personnel strength of 30, all ranks. Resources are augmented from within the adjoining districts as required.
119 Ms Fox asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide gardaí for the Roundwood area, County Wicklow; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the numbers in this station have been reduced from approximately five to one; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this area is inadequately policed due to lack of members; and the steps he will take to remedy this situation. [25696/00]
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 of Roundwood Garda station is two, all ranks. The personnel strength at the station for 1997, 1998 and 1999 was three, all ranks, for each year. The opening hours of the station are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, as personnel permit. After 1 p.m., the remainder of the day is spent on foot and mobile patrols. When not open the "Green Man" is operational and linked to the district headquarters at Wicklow station.
I am also informed that there is a marked patrol car permanently attached to the station. Personnel from Rathdrum, Avoca and Aughrim augment the policing of Roundwood when required and the district patrol car from Wicklow includes Roundwood in its night patrols. The district detective branch provides additional patrols in the area.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Roundwood will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.
