I propose to take Questions Nos. 507 and 508 together.
The Garda Policing Plan for 2012 contained the Commissioner's proposals to amalgamate the Garda Districts of Ashbourne and Laytown. These Garda Districts were merged on 29 April 2012. I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Ashbourne and Laytown Garda Districts on 31 December 2009, 2010, 2011 and the new Ashbourne District on 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was as set out in the table hereunder:
District
|
31/12/08
|
31/12/09
|
31/12/10
|
31/12/11
|
31/05/12
|
Ashbourne
|
85
|
93
|
88
|
81
|
109
|
Laytown
|
22
|
28
|
29
|
29
|
The new Ashbourne District forms part of the Meath Garda Division together with the Districts of Kells, Navan and Trim. The personnel strength of the Meath Garda Division on 31 May 2012 was 296. There are also 29 Garda Reserves and 22 Civilians attached to the Meath Garda Division. These resources are augmented, when appropriate, by Gardaí from national units such as the Garda National Drug Unit and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.