Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure the allocation of additional Garda mountain bikes to the parts of south Dublin where the population and area to be policed is expanding rapidly. [9843/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the assistant commissioner of the DMR is currently reviewing the deployment of mountain bikes in the DMR, including south Dublin stations, with a view to the expansion and establishment of new units. Garda management further states that arrangements are in place for training to be delivered nationally throughout 2006. The first delivery of mountain bikes for 2006 has been received and they will be deployed in the coming months to expand existing units and establish new units.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that as of 31 January 2006, 118 Garda mountain bikes form the Garda mountain bike fleet, 11 of which are attached to the training function. A total of 65 mountain bikes are allocated for operational duty in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, deployed as set out hereunder:

I am further informed that 229 Garda personnel allocated to the Dublin metropolitan region have been trained and equipped for mountain bike duties.