The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 - 2015. In total in the period 2013 - 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter.
I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure their optimum use. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.
Drogheda and the Greater Drogheda area form part of the Louth Division in the Northern Region. I can confirm that €4.7 million was provided for the purchase of vehicles for the Garda fleet in 2018. I am informed by the Garda authorities that 25 vehicles were purchased on behalf of the Northern Region in 2018, 12 of which have been allocated to date. This includes 3 new vehicles allocated to Louth Division. I am further informed that the remaining 13 vehicles are in the course of delivery to the Northern Region and will be allocated based on operational requirements.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the 2018 budget in respect of the fleet is now fully committed.
