Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
392. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the preparations that will be put in place to replenish the fleet of vehicles of An Garda Síochána as the fleet ages and vehicles reach their 300,000 km threshold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27985/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current and projected cost of maintaining the fleet of vehicles used by An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27986/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 392 and 393 together.
Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of her identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
As the Deputy will be aware, a further €9m was secured towards the end of 2013 for investment in the Garda fleet. This investment resulted in the purchase of 305 new Garda vehicles, at a cost of €5 million. These were in addition to the 133 Garda vehicles which had already been procured during the year. I am advised by the Garda authorities that these new vehicles are being allocated across Garda Divisions in accordance with operational requirements throughout the country.
The remaining €4 million has been made available for the purchase and fit out of Garda transport in 2014. In addition, I am advised that in excess of €22 million has been allocated for the maintenance and running of the fleet in 2014.
This represents a very considerable financial investment in Garda transport, particularly at a time when the level of funding available across the public sector is severely limited. It is a clear indication of my commitment to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, An Garda Síochána are provided with sufficient resources to enable them to deliver an effective and efficient policing service.
