Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

205. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that almost 50% of the fleet in the Garda R District is either aged over ten years or has almost 300,000 kilometres on the vehicles; if extra vehicles will be allocated to this district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20155/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government's Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 provides €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit for purpose fleet and this is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015. In total, in the period 2013 to 2017, almost €44 million has been invested in the fleet with some 2,000 vehicles coming on stream in that period.

As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I understand that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 24 vehicles attached to the Garda R District.  Of these 24 vehicles, a total of 10 vehicles, or just under 42%, are aged 10 years or older.  I am further informed by the Garda authorities that there are no vehicles in the district in question with 300,000 kilometres on the clock and that those vehicles close to this figure are included in the number of vehicles that are aged 10 years or older.

I understand that An Garda Síochána operate a comprehensive service repair and maintenance programme to ensure that all vehicles in the fleet are operating to manufacturers specifications. All vehicles are operated up to the manufacturers durability limits (which is generally 300,000km) or uneconomic repair irrespective of age. 

Finally, I am informed that a further 28 vehicles are due to be allocated to the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) this year on a prioritised basis as determined by the Assistant Commissioner DMR.