Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take the point the Deputy makes regarding the Border area. It is an issue that is also under consideration by the Garda authorities. The table included with my reply sets out the situation regarding gardaí in the Cavan-Monaghan division as of 31 May 2017. Deputy Brendan Smith will be aware that Ballyconnell in his own original area has 18 gardaí. Belturbet has five , Blacklion has three, and Cavan town 66. There are 75 gardaí in the very busy station in Monaghan town and there are some officers in Clones also.

As well as Garda numbers, I draw the Deputy's attention to the importance of operation Thor, which is a sustained drive against property crime and burglary in rural areas. There are also further initiatives involving community activity, for which there are some rather modest grant schemes available from my Department. I urge Deputy Brendan Smith to consider them also.

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