John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the mountain bike units of the Garda Síochána are still being operated as a pilot project; if so, when he will officially launch the mountain bike units; the number of mountain bike units which operate in the Clondalkin, Ronanstown and Lucan stations; and his plans to increase the number of mountain bike units in these stations. [26404/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda mountain bike unit was introduced on a pilot basis on 5 June 2001 in the Tallaght and Raheny Garda districts of the Dublin metropolitan region. In February 2002 a review conducted by the Garda authorities found that the deployment of Garda personnel on mountain bikes was successful in tackling and responding to certain types of crimes and offences. Since then the Garda mountain bike unit has been expanded on a national basis.

The total number of mountain bikes available to the Garda Síochána is 95 of which two are allocated to Clondalkin and two to Ronanstown Garda stations. The further allocation of Garda mountain bikes to additional Garda districts will take place each year over the next three years and that the allocation of Garda mountain bikes to Lucan Garda station is receiving consideration in line with several other Garda districts nationally.

Mountain bike units have been very successful in tackling anti-social disorderly behaviour in local parks and estates and work well in conjunction with other units. Overall, the units have proved successful to date due to their commitment, ability to respond quickly and effectively and capacity to provide a high visibility presence.

Mountain bike units have made a significant and positive contribution to a proactive approach in tackling crime. Garda management has received positive feedback from the community about the work of these units.