Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2019
263. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number, age and condition of the Garda vehicle fleet in the Limerick division by district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46559/19]
View answerIn accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. He is also responsible for the efficient use of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. This includes responsibility for the allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Divisions. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am assured, 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.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that number and type of Garda vehicles assigned to the Limerick Division as of 7 November 2019 is set out in the following table.
|
Cars |
Vans |
Motorcycles |
4 x 4 |
Others* |
Total |
|
|
LIMERICK DIVISION |
62 |
16 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
84 |
|
BRUFF DISTRICT |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
HENRY STREET DISTRICT |
39 |
10 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
53 |
|
NEWCASTLEWEST DISTRICT |
12 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
|
ROXBORO ROAD DISTRICT |
7 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
11 |
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that of this total of 84 vehicles, 3 are less than 1 year old; 10 are between 1 and 2 years old, 23 are between 2 and 4 years old, 30 are between 4 and 6 years old and the remaining 18 are more than 6 years old.
Garda management has also advised me that a comprehensive Service Repair and Maintenance programme is in place to ensure that all vehicles are operating to manufacturers specifications.
Finally, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion, increasing to an unprecedented €1.88 billion for 2020.
Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. I understand from the Garda authorities that this year's capital allocation of €10million for the Garda fleet is being used for purchase and fit-out of over 300 new vehicles for operational use this year. A further €9 million capital funding has been allocated for the Garda fleet in Budget 2020.
This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
