Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 587: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will examine the adequacy of Garda cover in the Ardee-west Louth area having regard to the level of crime there; if he will review the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19055/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities, responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength of Ardee Garda station as at 9 June 2005 was nine, all ranks, and that the station is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, and in the afternoons when resources permit.

I am further informed that mobile patrols operate from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. and at weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. These patrols are primarily focused on monitoring and curbing anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of local nightclubs and licensed premises. Resources are augmented from within the division as required. The area is also patrolled by the divisional traffic corps units from Drogheda and Kells and by crime unit personnel from Navan.

I am also advised that Garda personnel assignments to Ardee, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible service is provided to the general public. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda authorities, and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of Ardee will be considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the State.

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