James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As regards bike patrols, I have received the same direct feedback from members of An Garda Síochána in terms of the intensity of the course. I also received feedback, particularly when I was out in Cherry Orchard, from members of the community who praised the bike patrols due to the increased visibility of members of An Garda Síochána on such patrols, who are able to engage with the community but also able to cover far more ground. They seem to have been very successful. The gardaí themselves like them. The superintendent was full of praise for them as well. They seem to be a very positive development. An additional 100 bicycles will be procured before the end of the year and I expect more to be procured next year.

As regards EVs or hybrid vehicles, on 9 November 2022 there were 3,300 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet, of which 181, or 5.5%, were electric or hybrid. A further four EVs and three plug-in hybrid EVs are on order for the fleet and delivery is expected in November or December 2022. There are 51 charge points installed at 18 locations throughout the Garda network and An Garda Síochána is currently identifying Garda stations that have suitable electrical supply capacity for installation of EV charging points. When suitable locations are identified, the Office of Public Works, OPW, will prioritise them. I do not have a breakdown of the additional vehicles to be purchased but the experience has been that the number of EVs and hybrids has been increasing year on year. We also need more charging points to be rolled out for An Garda Síochána in order that those vehicles can be charged. It is clearly something we need to do, however.