Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with the level of service at Dunshaughlin Garda station, County Meath; if there are plans to enhance or upgrade this station in view of population trends; if he will provide details of other upgrades provided recently in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44873/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that local Garda Management is satisfied that the level of policing in Dunshaughlin is adequate to meet the service demands placed upon it. The station forms part of the Ashbourne Garda District and is open to the public between the hours of 10am to 1pm every day. Patrols of the area are conducted on a 24/7 basis, with additional patrols / assistance being provided from other resources within the Garda District, i.e. the District Detective and Divisional Drugs Units, Community Policing and Garda Mountain Bike Units. The Divisional Traffic Corps is also based at Dunshaughlin Garda Station.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking into account all relevant factors such as population and crime trends etc. The situation is kept under regular review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Meath Division and Drumshaughlin Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.

In accordance with the 2008 Garda Policing Plan, a new Meath Garda Division was established in June this year. This brings about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of the Joint Policing Committees. As part of this work, the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations of the new Division were also re-aligned and it is planned that a new Garda district of Laytown will be established on 1st of January next year.