Niamh Smyth
Ceist:245. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extra investment being made in Garda resources in the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division in 2019. [53586/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 19 December 2018
Ceisteanna (245)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.
In terms of capital investment, €342 million is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies and to deliver on reform. €46 million is being made available for investment in the Garda Fleet over the same period, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the fleet from 2013 to 2015. And further €60 million Exchequer funding underpins the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme, which is a 5-year programme based on agreed Garda priorities benefitting over 30 locations around the country. This is in addition to the investment of approximately €100 million in development of 3 major new Divisional and Regional Headquarters recently completed and entered into operational use at Galway, Wexford and Kevin Street, Dublin.
This significant current and capital investment in An Garda Síochána is in support of the Government’s commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
It is a matter for the Commissioner to efficiently manage these resources provided for An Garda Síochána and to determine the allocation of budgets to all Divisions, including Cavan/Monaghan Division, based upon operational requirements. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review so as to ensure their optimum use.
More generally, I can confirm to the Deputy that, a new Garda station will be constructed in Bailieborough, County Cavan in the context of the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the planning application was lodged in August 2018 and the OPW is currently examining the submissions received in this regard. It is not possible to give a definitive date for completion of the construction of the new station. I am informed that in advance of that new development, essential works at the existing station in Bailieborough were completed in 2016, involving enhancements to the public office and safety improvements throughout the building.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. Bawnboy, County Cavan, is included in that pilot and the OPW and An Garda Síochána are continuing to engage in relation to the works required in that regard. I understand that implementation of the programme and reopening of all 6 stations is being pursued as a priority and the OPW expects works should be completed in each case in 2019.
The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and accordingly the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the OPW.
Finally I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Garda fleet in the Cavan/Monaghan Division as at 14 December 2018 is 56 vehicles. I can confirm to the Deputy that €10 million will be made available to An Garda Síochána in 2019 for the Garda fleet. The allocation of the vehicles purchased with these funds will be decided by the Garda Commissioner in the light of operational demands.