Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Garda Strength.
- Ballyfermot Garda sub-station 6 speeches
O'Keeffe sought a Garda sub-station and more intensive policing in lower Ballyfermot. The Minister said Garda authorities consider the existing station and increased patrols adequate, citing the area’s population figures and established character.
Jim O'Keeffe, Gerard Collins
- Planned Garda stations in Dublin 2 speeches
Keating asked whether new Garda stations were planned in greater Dublin, particularly on the north side. The Minister did not have the information and invited him to table a question.
Michael Keating, Gerard Collins
asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the need for a Garda sub-station in the lower part of Ballyfermot, Dublin; and if he will arrange to have it provided.
Comment on this
The Garda Authirities do not consider that there is a need for a Garda station in the area referred to, as adequate policing can be provided from the existing Ballyfermot station which is approximately 1½ miles away. I am informed that the area is benefiting from improved policing as a result of the increased number of Garda patrols which have been operating since last July in major centres of population with the aim of reducing the incidence of crime and vandalism.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware of the representations being made by the community association in that area—this was requested by Deputy Mitchell—for more intensive police cover in the area and, if possible, for either a Garda station or a sub-station?
Comment on this
We had representations about the provision of a Garda station in this area and the matter was examined. The Garda authorities state that a Garda sub-station in this area is not necessary as the existing Garda station in Ballyfermot is sufficient for the needs of the area. This is the Garda viewpoint on it. They are satisfied that the coverage they are giving in the Ballyfermot area right now would not be improved in any way—in fact it might be disimproved—by having to man a sub-station a short distance away.
Comment on this
Could the Minister indicate the population involved in this area and the level of policing?
Comment on this
I can give the Deputy the population for the entire Ballyfermot sub-district. In 1971 the census was 27,352 and in 1979 it was 26,279. The Garda say that the lower part of Ballyfermot is a long-established area with a relatively mature population. I am satisfied that what they are doing is adequate.
Comment on this
At the risk of being told that this is a separate question, perhaps the Minister could tell us if there are plans to build any other Garda station in the greater Dublin area with particular reference to the north side?