Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2005
344 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí that are assigned to Castledermot Garda station, County Kildare; if there are plans to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15104/05]
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 Castledermot Garda station as at 9 May 2005 was two — all ranks. Local Garda management is satisfied that the present strength of Castledermot Garda station is sufficient to meet the present policing needs of the area.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am very pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis in line with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of theforce.
The Commissioner will now be drawing up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Castledermot Garda station will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country. Clearly, the additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well, such as the need to increase very significantly the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have already promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high visibility policing. They will have a real impact.
