Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
477. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí assigned to Balbriggan Garda station; the areas these gardaí are expected to cover; the number of patrols, in car and on foot, undertaken by gardaí from Balbriggan Garda station in 2023. [10116/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including operational policing and the distribution of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of more than €2.3 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
This level of funding provides for the recruitment of between 800 and 1,000 Gardaí and 250 additional Garda staff this year.
In addition to new recruits, the rollout of the new Garda Operating Model will support the redeployment of Gardaí from non-core duties to frontline policing across the country. The new model will see larger Divisions with more resources, increased Garda visibility in communities, a wider range of locally delivered policing services, and a strong focus on community policing.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 31 January 2024, the latest date for when figures are available, there was a total of 131 Garda members assigned to Balbriggan District, an increase of over 3% since the end of December 2022.
I am informed that Balbriggan District provides a policing and security service of approximately 200 sq. kilometres. I am advised that a total of 4,254 proactive patrols, which includes both mobile and beat patrols, were conducted by Gardaí in the District in 2023.
I am advised that Balbriggan Garda Station is District Headquarters for the Y District which incorporates Skerries, Rusk, Garristown and Lusk Garda Stations. As of 31 January 2024 a total of 99 Garda members were assigned to Balbriggan Garda station, which includes 85 Gardaí, 9 Sergeants, 4 Inspectors and 1 Superintendent. This represents an increase of almost 8% since the end of December 2022.
Further information in relation to the allocation of Gardaí by Division and Station can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/.
