Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of an association (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in respect of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area; if consideration will be given to calls from this area being dealt with by one Garda station rather than by two as currently; if his attention has further been drawn to the need for action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21062/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that currently the area referred to by the Deputy is policed by gardaí attached to the Dublin metropolitan region west division and the Dublin metropolitan region south division. The personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region west division as at 20 June 2005 was 679, all ranks. The personnel strength of the Dublin metropolitan region south division as at 20 June 2005 was 563, all ranks.

In addition, the divisional task force, divisional traffic units, district detective units, district patrol cars and mountain bicycle units from both divisions patrol the area. There are also currently two community gardaí, one from each division, allocated to the area. Local Garda management is satisfied that there is no diminution of policing service and that as a result of being dealt with by the two Garda stations the area in question is being provided with an enhanced policing service.

I understand that current policing plans for the area are predicated on the prevention of public order offences, the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of local residents. I have been assured by the Garda authorities that this strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.