Update on Ratoath Policing

11th September 2009

For many years now people have been calling for a Garda Station to be located in Ratoath" stated Ratoath TD Mary Wallace.

Deputy Wallace has made ongoing representations to the Minister for Justice Mr Dermot Ahern for the establishment of a Garda Station and additional policing for Ratoath. Deputy Wallace has recently received a detailed report from the Minister for Justice in this regard.

The Justice Minister has confirmed to Deputy Wallace the proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda Stations are a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner as provided for in the Garda Siochana Act 2005 and that he is informed by the Garda authorities that there are no proposals at present for a Garda Station in Ratoath.

The report addresses some of the key issues as to why there are no proposals from the Garda Commissioner for a Garda Station in Ratoath" continued Deputy Wallace

The report outlines that local Garda Management are satisfied that the current policing arrangements in place in Ratoath are adequate and allow for the effective and efficient policing of the area. It also confirms that Ratoath receives patrols on a regular basis from Gardai attached to the District Detective Unit and the Divisional Traffic Unit along with mountain bike patrols, beat patrols and foot patrols.

The Justice Minister has been advised by the Gardai that the opening of a new Garda Station in Ratoath would necessitate the deployment of Garda resources to indoor administrative duties that would be better deployed on outdoor policy duties".

The Justice Minister has also noted the dedicated Community Policy Unit which has been put in place in Ratoath. There are 2 Gardai attached to this unit and its primary focus is to engage with the public with the intention of reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and graffiti. Deputy Wallace acknowledges that this unit is invaluable and has done great work especially with young people.

The report advises Deputy Wallace that significant additional personnel resources have been allocated to the Division this year including 2 Inspectors, 1 sergeant and 8 probationer Gardai.