Vol. 571 No. 1
1217 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider asking the Garda Commissioner for 24 hour Garda cover in Ardee; and if he will review the adequacy of cover in the mid-Louth area generally due to an upsurge in anti-social behaviour. [20848/03]
The Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, have informed me that the current personnel strength of Ardee Garda station as at 23 September 2003 was ten (all ranks). Ardee Garda station is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday inclusive and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. When not open, personal access call box and call diversion systems are in operation and linked to the district headquarters at Navan. The Navan patrol car patrols the district on a 24-hour basis.
The extension of the current opening hours at Ardee Garda station to 24 hours would necessitate the employment of Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties. In this regard, Garda authorities inform me that such personnel can be utilised more effectively in providing a visible Garda presence on outdoor policing duties. Resources are augmented from within the district or division as required. Personnel allocated to Collon Garda station regularly assist with the policing of the Ardee area. The district detective unit and divisional traffic unit also patrol the area.
Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed at Ardee with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Ardee area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
