Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2017
85. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total fleet of vehicles approved for use by An Garda Síochána; the average mileage undertaken; the average age of the vehicles; if the engines are petrol or diesel; the total fuel costs in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10655/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for Garda resources, including the acquisition of vehicles, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Garda Authorities that, as at the 27 February 2017 which is the latest date for which figures are available, the Garda fleet comprises of some 2,815 vehicles of which some 2,148 have diesel engines and 667 have petrol engines. I am advised by the Garda authorities that, in 2016, it is estimated that Garda vehicles travelled in excess of 87 million kilometres.
I understand from the Garda authorities that Garda vehicles are retired when they reach 300,000 kilometeres or 10 years of age, whichever is earlier. Also, I understand that the relevant manufacturers have indicated that, for safety reasons, vehicles should be withdrawn from service at certain stages.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.
The amount spent on fuel by An Garda Síochána from 2013 is set out in the following table.
Amount spent on fuel by An Garda Síochána from 2013
|
2013 |
€ 10.71m |
|
2014 |
€ 9.42m |
|
2015 |
€ 7.78m |
|
2016 |
€ 7.26m |
|
January 2017 |
€ 0.30m |
The age profile of the fleet is set out in the following table.
Age profile of the fleet
|
< 1 Year |
561 |
|
1-2 Years |
432 |
|
2-4 Years |
792 |
|
4-6 Years |
162 |
|
> 6 Years |
868 |
|
Total |
2,815 |
The Deputy will be aware that the Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 includes provision for a significant investment of some €46 million in the Garda Fleet to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet. This investment will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with additional high-powered vehicles, marked and unmarked patrol cars, and motorcycles to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
