Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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447. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of marked Garda squad cars that are based in Balbriggan Garda station in north County Dublin; his plans for more marked squad cars to be added to the Balbriggan fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16407/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The provision and allocation of Garda transport is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the context of identified operational requirements and the availability of resources.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that on 1 April 2014 there were 9 vehicles allocated to the Balbriggan Garda District, including 2 marked cars and 3 patrol vans.

Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all policing resources and operational strategies in place on a District and Divisional level to ensure that the optimum Garda service is provided to the public. In addition, the Garda authorities have informed me that the current policing arrangements for the DMR North Division, which includes the Balbriggan District, make the best use of available resources. Moreover, the Garda authorities have indicated that the needs of the Division will continue to be examined on an on-going basis.

As the Deputy will be aware, I recently secured a further €9m for investment in the Garda fleet. This investment resulted in the purchase of 305 new Garda vehicles towards the end of 2013, at a cost of €5 million. I am advised by the Garda authorities that these new vehicles are currently being allocated across Garda Divisions in accordance with operational requirements throughout the country, including the DMR North Division.