I propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
As of 31 August 2007, the latest date for which Garda numbers are readily available, the personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Division was 393. This represents an increase of 35 members over the 358 members in the Division on 31 August 2006. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account.
The following table shows the strength of Gardaí in the Carlow/Kildare Division broken down by Station as of 31 August 2006 and 31 August 2007:
District
|
Station
|
31/08/06
|
31/08/07
|
Naas
|
Naas
|
88
|
99
|
|
Celbridge
|
20
|
23
|
|
Clane
|
7
|
7
|
|
Kill
|
3
|
2
|
|
Maynooth
|
15
|
13
|
Kildare
|
Kildare
|
29
|
29
|
|
Robertstown
|
3
|
4
|
|
Kilcullen
|
2
|
4
|
|
Monasterevin
|
3
|
5
|
|
Rathangan
|
2
|
4
|
|
Carbury
|
2
|
4
|
|
Newbridge
|
35
|
33
|
Carlow
|
Carlow
|
57
|
69
|
|
Leighlinbridge
|
1
|
1
|
|
Ballon
|
1
|
1
|
|
Myshall
|
1
|
1
|
|
Muinebheag
|
7
|
7
|
|
Athy
|
18
|
17
|
|
Castledermot
|
2
|
2
|
Baltinglass
|
Baltinglass
|
24
|
33
|
|
Blessington
|
18
|
15
|
|
Dunlavin
|
1
|
1
|
|
Hollywood
|
1
|
1
|
|
Donard
|
1
|
1
|
|
Shillelagh
|
1
|
1
|
|
Tinahely
|
2
|
2
|
|
Hacketstown
|
2
|
2
|
|
Rathvilly
|
1
|
1
|
|
Ballymore Eustace
|
1
|
1
|
|
Tullow
|
9
|
9
|
|
Ballytore
|
1
|
1
|
|
TOTAL
|
358
|
393
|
There are four Community Gardaí stationed in Co. Kildare, one (1) at Naas Garda Station and three (3) at Leixlip Garda Station. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.
The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of each of the Garda Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.