Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 July 2014
135. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda cars that have been decommissioned in the Milford district in County Donegal because they have reached the 300,000 kilometre mark in terms of mileage in the past six months; the number of cars that have been replaced; her plans to replace those cars which have not been replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28612/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of identified operational circumstances and the availability of resources.
Garda vehicles are retired for a variety of reasons, including where vehicles are considered beyond economic repair or as a result of accidents. Also, I understand from the Garda authorities that the relevant manufacturers have indicated that, for safety reasons, vehicles should be withdrawn from service at certain stages. Accordingly, this is the operational policy that is applied by the Garda authorities. I am advised by the Garda authorities that one vehicle has been decommissioned in the past six months in the Milford District. I am further informed that three new vehicles have been assigned to the Milford District in 2014.
As the Deputy will be aware, a further €9m was secured towards the end of 2013 for investment in the Garda fleet. This investment resulted in the purchase of 305 new Garda vehicles, at a cost of €5 million. These were in addition to the 133 Garda vehicles which had already been procured during the year. I am advised by the Garda authorities that these new vehicles are currently being allocated across Garda Divisions in accordance with operational requirements. The remaining €4 million has been made available for the purchase and fit out of Garda vehicles in 2014.
