Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
186 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a sufficient number of gardaí will be provided to ensure that a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kildare can be opened to the public for 24 hours per day, seven days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22983/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Athy Garda station is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. In addition, the sub-district is policed by a mobile patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The extension of the current opening hours to 24 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. Local Garda management is satisfied that the current opening hours of Athy Garda station are adequate to meet the present policing needs of the area.
187 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in each of the stations in the Kildare section of the Carlow-Kildare division; if the number for each station is equal to the accepted number; if not, when the positions will be filled to bring the stations to their full complement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22984/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Carlow-Kildare division as at 27 of September 2004 is 326, all ranks. This compares to a figure of 292 on the 31 of December 1997 and represents an increase of 34, or 11.65%, in the personnel allocated to Carlow-Kildare division since that date. It is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his or her division. I have been further informed that the personnel strength, all ranks, of each Garda station in County Kildare in the Carlow-Kildare division as at 27 of September 2004 is as set out hereunder:
|
Station |
Strength |
|
Naas |
78 |
|
Clane |
6 |
|
Kill |
3 |
|
Celbridge |
19 |
|
Maynooth |
15 |
|
Kildare |
28 |
|
Newbridge |
29 |
|
Robertstown |
3 |
|
Kilcullen |
3 |
|
Carbury |
2 |
|
Monasterevin |
2 |
|
Rathangan |
3 |
|
Athy |
17 |
|
Castledermot |
2 |
|
Ballytore |
1 |
|
Ballymore Eustace |
1 |
Garda management will continue to appraise the policing and administrative strategy employed in the Carlow-Kildare division with a view to ensuring that an effective Garda service is maintained. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Garda stations in County Kildare will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
