I have been informed by the Garda authorities which are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel that the personnel strength — all ranks — of Tallaght Garda station as at 5 October 2004 was 170. The personnel strength of Tallaght Garda station as at 1 January 1998 was 133 — all ranks. This represents an increase of 37, or 28%, in the number of personnel allocated to Tallaght Garda station since 1 January 1998.
I am further informed that the estate referred to by the Deputy has been assigned two community gardaí and that a Garda-South Dublin County Council clinic is held weekly where local people can discuss issues and problems with the community gardaí. In conjunction with the community gardaí, the area also receives attention from the mountain bike unit and the divisional crime task force, the crime prevention unit and regular patrols.
A significant proportion of the problems in the area are related to young people, many of whom are the subject of the juvenile diversion programme and some of whom have been prosecuted before the courts. The youth at risk project run by my Department is working directly with 62 young people in an effort to steer them clear of criminal activity. In addition, I am informed that a range of other measures are in place to deal with the concerns outlined by the Deputy. A public order unit is employed most evenings and every weekend to tackle anti-social behaviour and under age drinking. Alcohol retail outlets are visited regularly in an effort to detect alcohol being purchased by, or sold to, under age persons. Parks and open areas are intensively patrolled in an effort to curtail anti-social behaviour. A dedicated drugs unit based at Tallaght station has made significant drugs seizures during the year, including in the Jobstown area. With regard to telephone complaints to Tallaght station, I am informed that they are immediately logged to the communications system and dealt with accordingly.
The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Tallaght area will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.
