Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the unacceptable increase in anti-social behaviour in Donabate, County Dublin, a Garda station will be provided and additional Garda resources arranged in the interim to be specifically dedicated to the Donabate peninsula. [7469/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that Donabate forms part of the Swords subdistrict and that personnel attached to Swords Garda station are charged with the responsibility for the provision of a full policing service in the neighbourhood.

The personnel strength of Swords Garda station, all ranks, as at 1 March 2005, was 68. The personnel strength of Swords Garda station, as at 1 March 2004, was 56. This represents an increase of 12, or 21%, since that date. There are no plans to establish a Garda station in the Donabate area. A structured and effective policing programme is in force in the subdistrict supported by several specialist units — the divisional task force, divisional traffic unit, district detective unit, district drugs unit and the special detective unit. Community gardaí are assigned to the area and I am advised they have an excellent rapport with the local community.

With regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government, and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.

The commissioner will draw up plans on how best to distribute and manage these additional resources. In this context, the needs of the Swords subdistrict will be fully considered within the context of the needs of Garda districts throughout the country. Additional resources will be targeted at the areas of greatest need, as is envisaged in the programme for Government. The programme identifies in particular areas with a significant drugs problem and a large number of public order offences, but it will be possible to address other priorities as well such as the need to significantly increase the number of gardaí allocated to traffic duties as part of the new Garda traffic corps. I have promised that the additional gardaí will not be put on administrative duties. They will be put directly into front line, operational, high-visibility policing. They will have a real impact.