Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2008
287 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when digital radio for An Garda Síochána is projected to be rolled out nationally; the extent of its coverage in Dublin and in the rest of the country at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40928/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe selected service provider for the National Digital Radio Service, TETRA Ireland Ltd., is currently putting in place the requisite infrastructure for the service to be available to the Garda Síochána and other emergency services.
The infrastructure is being put in place on a regional basis over a two year period from March, 2009 in accordance with agreed plans. The Garda authorities advise that they are working with the service provider so that rollout of the service to members of the Force will closely follow the provision of this infrastructure. Accordingly, the rollout is planned to commence in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in April 2009 with full coverage for Dublin in place by August 2009. The Eastern Region is expected to be completed by December 2009 and rollout to the other Garda Regions will take place in line with the agreed infrastructure plans.
