Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

619 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to criticism (details supplied) of policing in the Rathcoole area of County Dublin, particularly in relation to lack of facilities at the local Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9072/02]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities, which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources to individual areas, that Rathcoole Garda station is in the division of Dublin Metropolitan Area (West) with its district headquarters at Clondalkin. The manpower strength, all ranks, at Rathcoole Garda station as at 31 December for the years 1997 to 2001 is as set out in the following table:

Year	Strength
1997	11
1998	17
1999	19
2000	19
2001	23

These figures show that the manpower strength at Rathcoole Garda station more than doubled in the above period. Resources are augmented within the division as required by the divisional task force, traffic units and district drug and detective units.

I am also informed that Rathcoole Garda station is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Any extension of the current opening hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties. Such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties. The allocation of vehicles to Rathcoole Garda station is comparable to areas with similar size and population throughout the country.

Furthermore, local Garda management is satisfied that the arrangements currently in place at Rathcoole are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area. However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional manpower next becomes available the needs of Rathcoole will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country.