Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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364. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí in each district in the Louth and east Meath constituency, including a breakdown of the number of community Gardaí within each district; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39987/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Everyone deserves to be safe and feel safe in their own communities, and of course having a visible Garda presence in the community is an important part of that.

Garda funding has increased by over €500m, up 27% since 2020, bringing the total budget to €2.48 billion for 2025, building on the unprecedented allocations of over €2 billion for 2023 and €2.35 billion for 2024. This consistent funding demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision to recruit the personnel it needs to carry out its vital policing work.

While the Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of Garda members throughout the State, I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends.

It is worth noting that Constituency boundaries do match Garda Divisions, therefore figures can be provided for Meath/Westmeath Division.

I am informed that, as of the end of June 2024, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 546 Gardaí assigned to Meath/Westmeath Division. Of this figure, 154 members were assigned to Ashbourne and Kells, covered under the Meath East constituency area.

I am further informed there were 707 Gardaí assigned to Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division. Of this figure, 362 were assigned to Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk.

I am also informed that there are 26 dedicated Community Gardaí across these Divisions as of the end of June 2024, with 12 in Meath and 14 in Louth.

These Divisions were also supported by 199 Garda Staff members as of the end of June 2024. 87 are allocated to Meath/Westmeath Division and 112 are allocated to Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division. Garda staff provide vital administrative support and help free up Garda members to focus on front line duties.

The Deputy should be advised that all figures provided are operational and subject to change.