Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Transport is an important issue for all the reasons the Deputy mentioned. In the northern region, transport has seen a greater level of engagement, consequent on the investment. A further €11 million is being provided this year for augmenting the Garda fleet. The projected figure is for in the region of 300 vehicles, be they patrol cars, vans or large sport utility vehicles, SUVs, for the armed support unit, with which the Deputy will be familiar as they are very much in evidence in the Border area. As of 31 October, the €11 million allocation has delivered 287 vehicles. The disbursement of those vehicles across the various divisions is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I assure the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner has prioritised the Border areas with particular reference to ongoing criminal activity. I refer to the new armed support unit in Cavan that is up and running. As well as having up to 23 personnel, the new unit also has vehicles. There have been armed support units in situfor a number of years in Dundalk and Ballyshannon. The extra armed support unit in Cavan will augment Garda personnel and equipment, including vehicles, in that area. I am happy to assure the Deputy that new vehicles are on stream in the area. On the replacement of vehicles, members will be aware the stock within An Garda Síochána is in need of ongoing replacement. It is estimated that once a Garda car travels more than 300,000 km, its life is probably at an end.