Sorca Clarke
Question:643. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the age of the trucks attached to the Garda water unit. [23114/22]
View answerTuesday, 10 May 2022
Questions (643)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters.
I am advised that the Garda Water Unit (GWU) is a national resource based at both Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath and falls under the remit of Assistant Commissioner, Organised & Serious Crime. The operational control of the GWU is overseen by Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. The GWU provides a full dive and marine capability throughout the State and responds to requests for assistance from within An Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the GWU currently has two dive trucks, one in Santry and one in Athlone, that are 16 and 17 years old respectively.
Approval has been received for the replacement of the trucks and a Request for Tender is currently being prepared in relation to this.