Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018
239. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda community support vans attached to each Garda district in Dublin; and if additional funding will be provided to purchase additional community support vans in 2019. [53533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total in the period 2013 - 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream to ensure that Gardaí can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.
Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles across the various Garda divisions are a matter for the Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand 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. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between districts and stations as required by operational requirements.
I am pleased to confirm that €10 million has been made available for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019. The allocation of these vehicles will be decided by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with operational demands at the time when these vehicles are delivered.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as at 14 December 2018, there were 5 Community Support Vans assigned in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, one each in Dún Laoghaire District, Store Street District, Kevin Street District, Blanchardstown District and the Bridewell District.
