Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Athenry Garda Station as at 31 January 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 5. Athenry Garda Station forms part of the Galway District and the personnel strength of that District as at the same date was 241.

Athenry Garda Station is open to the public from 10am to 1pm on a daily basis. An increase in the opening hours of Athenry Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. In addition to this, local Garda management advise that the current policing arrangements in place in the Athenry area are adequate and allow for the effective and efficient policing of the area.

The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Garda station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a working group has been established by the Commissioner with a view to developing a comprehensive model of community policing. In May 2007 submissions were invited from the public and voluntary and statutory agencies for consideration in developing the new model. The final report of the working group is currently under consideration by the Garda authorities.

I am also informed that An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a visible presence at local level throughout the State. The total number of community Gardaí on 31 December 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) was 630. Of course, community policing involves more than a single unit within An Garda Síochána. All Gardaí have a role to play in addressing community policing issues as they arise.

Important partnerships in which the Gardaí are involved are the Community Alert Programme and Neighbourhood Watch. National strategies for Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch for the period 2007-2011 were launched in Autumn 2007. The new strategies include a number of significant improvements. Training has been provided to the sergeants and inspectors most closely involved with the Programmes. In addition, the holding of information seminars is continuing for all liaison Gardaí and scheme co-ordinators for Garda Districts and Divisions.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 304: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí in Clondalkin, Lucan and Ronanstown Garda Stations in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and the number of these Gardaí involved in community policing. [6932/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The information requested by the Deputy is as set out in the table. The latest available figures for Community Policing are as at 31 December 2007. The latest date for which figures are readily available for strength of the stations referred to by the Deputy is 31 January 2008.

All Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. In that regard, the needs of the Garda Stations referred to will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.