Vol. 541 No. 2
969 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate Garda patrol cars are available in each and all divisions and sub-divisions throughout the country; his views on whether such availability provides adequate cover to areas of expanding population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22511/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently about 2,000 operational vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, of which 1,328 are patrol cars. Vehicles are assigned to divisions which in turn allocate their resources to their various districts and stations. I am also informed that the need to allocate additional vehicles or reallocate vehicles is constantly assessed on an ongoing basis. Factors such as population, crime and area are taken into consideration in the process of assessing vehicle allocation or the need for extra transport.
970 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if adequate Garda patrol cars are available to and providing service for all Garda stations throughout north Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22512/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the allocation of vehicles within the Garda Síochána that there are 42 vehicles assigned to the Carlow Kildare division. In north Kildare, there are two vehicles assigned to Celbridge, one vehicle assigned to Maynooth and one vehicle assigned to Clane. There are two vehicles assigned to Leixlip station in the Dublin metropolitan area – western division and one vehicle assigned to Kilcock station in the Louth-Meath division. I am also informed that the allocation of vehicles to Garda stations throughout north Kildare is comparable to stations with similar size and population throughout the country.
