Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Deployment.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

945 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the number of Garda stationed in Athenry, County Galway, and to the fact that the population of Athenry and its hinterland has risen dramatically in recent years without a corresponding increase in Garda cover for the area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many elderly people and business people are concerned about the low Garda numbers in Athenry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1553/02]

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 resources to individual areas, that the current personnel strength of Athenry Garda station, as at 1 January 2002, is four – all ranks. Resources are augmented from within the district-division as required.

I am also informed that the area is patrolled by the district detective branch and divisional traffic unit on a regular basis and that Garda personnel allocated to Athenry visit elderly residents on a regular basis. In addition, community alert and neighbourhood watch schemes are in operation in the area.

I am further informed that local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently in place at Athenry are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available I am assured by the Garda authorities that the needs of the Athenry area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.