Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 444: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increase in crime levels in the Manor Kilbride area of County Wicklow; if he will he ensure that Garda levels are increased at Blessington Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8795/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Manor Kilbride is included in the Baltinglass Garda district which forms part of the Carlow Kildare division. Current policing policy in the district of Baltinglass is predicated on the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime, particularly crimes of violence against persons and property; and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area served by Baltinglass Garda station.

An additional 17 gardaí are due to be allocated to the Carlow Kildare division in conjunction with the allocation of probationer gardaí on 16 March 2006. As part of this allocation an additional five gardaí are due to be allocated to the Baltinglass district. On 16 March 2006 two gardaí will be allocated to the Baltinglass district with a further three gardaí being allocated on 18 April 2006. I am informed that local Garda management are satisfied with the personnel level in the Baltinglass district as a result of this increase.

Garda personnel assigned to the Baltinglass district, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed by Garda management. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table provides the total number of headline offences recorded and detected in the Garda district of Baltinglass for 2004 and 2005. The number of offences recorded declined between 2004 and 2005.