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Garda Operations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2019

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Ceisteanna (128)

Noel Rock

Ceist:

128. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the lack of enforcement being undertaken by An Garda Síochána to prevent private vehicles using bus lanes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42461/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. I am pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million in Budget 2020 which will increase An Garda Síochána’s budget to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year. Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including a total of €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021. This continuing investment is intended to ensure that An Garda Síochána can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime.

The Garda Commissioner has responsibility for managing An Garda Síochána including the allocation of Garda resources, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

In relation to the matter of enforcement regarding the issue of private vehicles using bus lanes in Dublin, the Commissioner has provided me with a report on the matter and indicates that the following table sets out the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued in 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Jan-Sept) within the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

2017

2018

Jan-Sep 2019

Driver Entering a Bus Lane

3133

4035

3072

Driver Entering a Contra Flow Bus Lane

28

71

22

Driver entering Bus Only Street

20

25

15

Total

3181

4131

3109

Note: All figures provided are provisional, operational and subject to change.

As the Deputy will appreciate, this data indicates a significant increase in the number of Fixed Charge Notices issued in respect of these matters in 2018 when compared with 2017. Levels of Fixed Charge Notices issued to date in 2019 appear generally consistent with the level seen in 2018.

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