The Deputy will be aware that, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. The allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. I am assured, 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.
Budget 2022 provides in excess of an unprecedented €2 billion, of which I am informed that €12m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet, which will mean more high visibility policing in our towns and cities.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the Waterford Divisional fleet by age.
Waterford Divisional Fleet by age as at 29 April 2022
Age
|
No. of Vehicles
|
%
|
< 1 year
|
6
|
8.5%
|
1-3 years
|
17
|
23.9%
|
3-6 years
|
20
|
28.2%
|
6-10 years
|
27
|
38%
|
10+ years
|
1
|
1.4%
|
Waterford Division
|
71
|
100%
|
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html.