Written answers

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Deployment

11:00 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether An Garda Síochána resources in Inishowen are sufficient in view of the fact that Inishowen towns and villages all circle Derry city; his further views on whether Inishowen's proximity to Derry city is of fundamental importance in the context of policing; his plans to increase Garda resources in Inishowen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7634/09]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of the 31st January 2009, 98 Gardaí from the following 10 Garda Stations in the Donegal Division are providing a policing service in the Inishowen Peninsula:

DistrictStationNo. of Gardaí
BuncranaBuncrana50
BuncranaBurnfoot16
BuncranaCarndonagh5
BuncranaClonmany1
BuncranaCulduff1
BuncranaMalin5
BuncranaMoville9
BuncranaMuff2
LetterkennyCarrigans5
LetterkennyNewtowncunningham4

Significant numbers of additional personnel have been allocated to the Division in recent times, including a unit of the Divisional Traffic Corps based in Buncrana and the establishment of a Rural Community Policing Initiative for the Inishowen Peninsula. A Divisional Crime Manager has also been appointed to assist in the monitoring and analysing of crime trends. Additional civilian support staff have also been assigned to the Garda Districts concerned, releasing members of An Garda Síochána for patrolling and other duties within the Districts.

Given the geographical location of these Garda Districts there are significant levels of ongoing cross border cooperation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Border Superintendents attend bi-monthly crime meetings in Enniskillen and at Garda Headquarters. At local level, cross-border crime meetings are held on a monthly basis with regular, sometimes daily, interactions regarding individual incidents and other criminal activity. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account and the situation in the Inishowen peninsula will be kept under review.

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