Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make provision for a new Garda station as a key element of social infrastructure in an area (details supplied) now being planned and built in Dublin 13 and Dublin 17 under Dublin City and Fingal County Councils. [8176/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan North Region (DMNR) Division, as at 1 March 2007 was 634 (all ranks). At present, Community Gardaí assigned to the areas referred to by the Deputy, attend monthly neighbourhood watch meetings where various issues affecting the communities such as public order, graffiti and loitering by youths are addressed. The area also benefits from regular uniform and plain clothes patrols which are augmented by the Divisional Task Force and Community Policing Units.

I am advised by Garda authorities that local Garda Management indicate they are satisfied that current policing structures are adequate in providing a professional, efficient and effective policing service to the areas concerned. I am also informed that the opening of a new station to cover the area would be incompatible with current policing policy in the Division and would result in valuable resources being diverted from frontline policing to indoor administrative duties.

Garda management will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the policing needs of the areas mentioned continue to be addressed.