Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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411. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the capital investment being made in Garda resources in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that there has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years and €1.65 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2018.

For example, €342 million is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 in support of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme, to enable An Garda Síochána to work more effectively and deploy the latest technologies in the fight against crime.

€46 million has been provided for investment in the Garda fleet under the 2016 – 2021 capital plan, in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the period 2013 to 2015 to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet and can be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community.

A further €60 million exchequer funding underpins the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme, which is a 5-year programme based on agreed Garda priorities benefitting over 30 locations around the country. This is additional to the investment of approximately €100 million in development of 3 major new Divisional and Regional Headquarters recently completed and entered into operational use at Galway, Wexford and Kevin Street Dublin.

The Deputy will further appreciate that it is the Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the efficient and effective use of these resources.  The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW). Decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda vehicles are a matter for the Commissioner in the light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources.

As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. However I have been informed by the Garda authorities that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources (including allocation of Garda vehicles) under continual review so as to ensure their optimum use.

In respect of the Cavan / Monaghan Division, I am informed by the Garda authorities that under the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, a new Garda station will be constructed in Bailieborough, County Cavan. I am informed that the planning application for the development of the new Station was lodged in August 2018. Until planning, the required public procurement process and contract award are completed, it is not possible to give a definitive date for completion of the construction of the new station.

In advance of that new development, essential remediation works at the existing station at Bailieborough were also completed in 2016. The works involved enhancements to the public office and safety improvements throughout the building.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. The Commissioner's final report in that regard recommends that Bawnboy Garda Station in County Cavan be included in the pilot.  The OPW and Commissioner are engaging in relation to the works required in that regard.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the strength of the Garda fleet in the Cavan/Monaghan Division as at 31 July 2018 is 58 vehicles. 

I understand that provision has been made to purchase an additional 25 vehicles for the Northern Region in 2018, of which 4 have been allocated to the Cavan/Monaghan Division as at 31 July 2018. The exact allocation of these vehicles will be determined by Assistant Commissioner for the Northern Region in accordance with operational policing priorities following delivery of these vehicles.

With regard to the Meath Division, provision is made under the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 for works at Navan Garda Station, namely the demolition of the existing cell block and the construction of a new cell block and overhead office accommodation. I am advised that An Garda Síochána is actively engaged with the OPW to progress this project.

I am further advised that the strength of the Garda fleet in the Meath Division as at 31 July 2018 is 55 vehicles.

I understand that provision has been made to purchase an additional 23 vehicles for the Eastern Region in 2018, of which 2 have been allocated to the Meath Division as at 31 July 2018. The exact allocation of these vehicles will be determined by Assistant Commissioner for the Eastern Region in accordance with operational policing priorities following delivery of these vehicles.

Separate to the above details specific to the Cavan / Monaghan and Meath Divisions, I am informed that An Garda Síochána seeks to address minor maintenance issues, including refurbishment, as they arise, liaising closely with the OPW in that regard. The progression of any works is subject to funding available and the competing accommodation priorities within An Garda Síochána.

Finally and apart from capital investment, I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda division. Furthermore when allocations are taking place, comprehensive consultation is carried out with local management. Where a deficiency in resources is identified the matter is considered fully and addressed accordingly.