Paul Donnelly
Ceist:449. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the age of the boats currently in the Garda water unit; and the average lifespan of those types of boats. [17803/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 April 2024
Ceisteanna (449)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including boats or specialist equipment for the Garda Water Unit. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Garda Water Unit is a national resource based at Santry Garda Station, Dublin Metropolitan Region and Garycastle, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of 22 April 2024, there were two Patrol boats, four Rigid Inflatable Boats and six Inflatable boats attached to the Garda Water Unit.
I am further informed that the boats allocated to the unit meet the present requirements of the Garda Water Unit to date and that the equipment fitted on the boats is regularly serviced and upgraded when necessary. I am advised that a well serviced boat can last up to twenty years.
I am informed that financial sanction has been approved for the replacement of four rigid inflatable boats and the project is ongoing.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the boats attached to the Water unit by age.
|
Boat |
Year Allocated |
Age |
|
2 Patrol Boats |
2000 & 2006 |
18 & 24 years old |
|
4 Rigid Inflatable Boats |
2007 |
17 years old |
|
6 Inflatable Boats |
2009-2012 |
12 to 15 years old |