Dáil Questions regarding Garda Numbers in Malahide, Balbriggan and Swords, Co. Dublin

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline in tabular form the current strength of An Garda Síochána in the Balbriggan (Y) District, Dublin; the number of vehicles allocated; the number of Garda reserves present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Reply from Minister for Justice Alan Shatter

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter. This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of demographics, crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.  

I have however been informed by the Garda Commissioner that Swords and Malahide form part of the Coolock Garda District. The personnel strength, reserves and vehicles in the Balbriggan District and each of the Stations in the Coolock Garda District on the 31 May 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available is set out below.

District/Station               Strength Reserves Vehicles
Balbriggan                           90             6             10
Coolock   
Coolock                               111           8              15
Malahide                              35            3                4
Swords                                 74            9              10

The allocation of Garda vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis.  The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between Stations as required by operational circumstances.