Vol. 541 No. 2
858 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that the Garda station in Laytown, County Meath will be constantly manned; if he will ensure an increased policing presence in Laytown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21146/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources to individual areas, that on the night of 25 August 2001, about 300 people congregated on the beach between Laytown and Gormanstown where rave type music was played.
Subsequent Garda inquiries revealed that this rave was advertised on the Internet and by way of mobile text messages. On learning of the event, a Garda public order unit was dispatched from the Slane concert to assist local personnel who had gone to the scene. A small amount of drugs was seized from some people who were on their way to the event and gardaí maintained a presence until all persons had left the beach and dispersed. I am further informed that Laytown Garda station is manned each day until 1 a.m. In addition, the area is patrolled by mobile units from Drogheda. As with all other Garda stations, the personnel strength at Laytown is kept under continuous review.
