Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are 715 gardaí in DMR west, of whom 200 are in the Clondalkin district. I assure Deputy Curran that the distribution of Garda resources in terms of personnel is monitored constantly. It takes into account all the appropriate and relevant factors, for example, crime trends in the area and the valid point, as raised by Deputy Curran, of the population distribution across the district. I accept what Deputy Curran said in terms of that growing urban area to the south west of Dublin.

It is important that these issues remain closely monitored by the Garda Síochána but I said that Garda numbers alone will not deal with the issues raised. While working with communities to tackle public disorder and reduce anti-social behaviour remains a key priority for the Garda, we need to ensure there is a strong focus on quality of life issues.

We also need to ensure that there is a strong focus on collaboration with stakeholders in local communities, that local authorities are involved and that everybody is working together to help and assist to the gardaí to eradicate anti-social behaviour. It means drilling down to the root causes of anti-social behaviour. I, of course, accept that Garda numbers is an issue and I will be happy to convey to the Garda authorities the specific point raised by Deputy Curran about an individual Garda station, namely, Rathcoole.

See this speech in context