Written answers

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Transport

9:00 pm

Photo of Charlie O'ConnorCharlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 646: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to provide additional funding for Garda bike units; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda bike unit at Tallaght Garda station has been particularly successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6311/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they recently invited tenders for the supply and delivery of 130 mountain bikes with an option to procure a further 130, over the duration of the contract. Responses to this tender are currently being evaluated and bikes will be allocated by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with his identified operational needs.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that Tallaght was one of the first areas where the Garda Mountain Bike Unit was introduced in June 2001. Since then, the bikes are in daily use both by members of the Community Policing and regular units. Their introduction has been very successful and local Garda management report that the Unit provides highly visible and accessible policing in areas such as parks, laneways, footbridges, estates, pedestrianised areas, shopping centres, Luas and Dublin Bus areas. They provide a fast and reliable mode of transport, especially during peak traffic periods. The Unit has been very successful in tackling anti-social disorderly behaviour particularly in parks and estates. Local management report that the unit has been very favourably received within the community and is also used in talks at schools on road traffic and bicycle safety.

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