Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by an organisation (details suppled) in County Kildare concerning anti-social behaviour and petty crime in the area, if he will approve the necessary extra gardaí to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37039/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is within Maynooth Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents. A number of persons have been arrested in relation to incidents, some of whom have been charged and are currently before the courts. Other incidents are under ongoing Garda investigation.

A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to the area referred to and regularly meets local residents to address any issues arising. Garda members also attend meetings of the residents' association.

The area is subject to patrols by uniform and plain-clothes personnel, including the Community Policing and Mountain Bike Units and the District Detective and Drug Units, supplemented as required by Divisional Traffic Corps personnel.

Local Garda management closely monitors and keeps under review patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities in the area, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation is kept under constant review, including the allocation of additional personnel, which will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of each Garda Division throughout the country.

Current policing strategies are designed to prevent crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour, and community policing is a central feature and core value of policing policy. This will ensure an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life for residents.