Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the activity referred to occurs on a stretch of road that traverses County Fermanagh on the N54-A3. Accordingly, road safety enforcement on that particular stretch of road is the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI. I am, however, assured that An Garda Síochána monitors traffic and performs static checkpoints at strategic locations on the proportion of the road in this State.

The Deputy will be aware that a number of joint operations have been conducted by An Garda Síochána and the PSNI targeting anti-social driving practices on this road. These operations have taken place at regular intervals over a number of years. To date in 2013, planned joint operations have been conducted by the Garda in conjunction with the PSNI on 12 and 17 January and 9 and 16 February. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that these operations will continue to be prioritised in the future and that there has been positive feedback with respect to these operations and their deterrent impact at this location.

I am assured that An Garda Síochána and the PSNI maintain ongoing close liaison with local public representatives on both sides of the Border in relation to this matter and have been proactive with regard to road safety enforcement measures in the area.

The Deputy will appreciate this is principally an operational policing matter and accordingly what is important is ongoing police co-operation. My colleague, David Ford, and I regularly discuss the general issue of co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland and we are both satisfied that co-operation between both forces is excellent. In respect of the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I am assured by the Garda authorities that this ongoing police co-operation is borne out by the recent joint operations.

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