James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the present Garda numbers in Dublin north and in particular Swords, Balbriggan, Malahide, Rush, Lusk and Skerries; and his proposals to increase the Garda numbers in these towns taking into account the growth of population and the projected growth in the area. [19280/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The areas referred to by the Deputy form part of two different Garda Divisions — the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) North Division and the Louth/Meath Division.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Northern Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 3 July, 2007 was 577 and 665 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 88 (or 15.2%) in the number of personnel allocated to the Division since that date.

The personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 3 July 2007 was 498 and 574 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 76 (or 15.2%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

The personnel strength on 3 July 2007 of the Garda Stations in the areas mentioned by the Deputy was as set out in the table hereunder:

It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

The situation will be kept under review and, when additional personnel next become available, the needs of these Garda Stations will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overalll context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.