Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
171. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a Garda patrol car will be assigned to a station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15807/14]
View answer172. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if necessary facilities will be installed in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15808/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
With regard to Garda transport the situation is that decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational demands.
At Divisional level it is a matter for the Divisional Officer to determine how best to deploy Garda vehicles to meet existing policing requirements. In that context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently 20 vehicles allocated to the Garda District in which the station referred to by the Deputy is located. Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all policing resources and operational strategies in place on a District and Divisional level to ensure that the optimum Garda service is provided to the public. In addition, the Garda authorities have informed me that the current policing arrangements for the Kerry Division make the best use of available resources. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the needs of the Division will continue to be examined on an on-going basis.
As the Deputy will be aware, I recently secured a further €9m for investment in the Garda fleet. This investment resulted in the purchase of 305 new Garda vehicles towards the end of 2013, at a cost of €5 million. I am advised by the Garda authorities that these new vehicles are currently being allocated across Garda Divisions in accordance with operational requirements throughout the country, including the Kerry Division.
Garda accommodation is also an important matter and the programme of refurbishment of Garda stations is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have approached the OPW regarding the refurbishment of the station referred to by the Deputy.
