Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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265. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of additional marked and unmarked Garda cars and vehicles allocated to the Wicklow Garda division in 2018 and to date in 2019; and the number that were withdrawn during same period. [9732/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that there has been unprecedented investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years.

In relation to Garda vehicles, €46 million has been provided by the Government for investment in the Garda fleet between 2016 and 2021, to ensure that An Garda Síochána has a modern, effective and fit-for-purpose fleet allowing Gardaí to be mobile, visible and responsive on the roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime. This is in addition to the investment of almost €30 million in the Garda fleet in the period 2013 to 2015. And I am pleased to confirm that a capital allocation of €10 million is available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of Garda vehicles in 2019.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for the distribution of Garda resources, including allocation of Garda vehicles among the various Garda divisions. As Minister, I have no direct role in that matter. I understand however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that their optimum use.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 7 vehicles were allocated to the Wicklow Division in 2018 and that 4 vehicles were removed from the Wicklow Division in 2018. I am informed that no vehicles have been allocated to or removed from the Wicklow Division to date in 2019.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of vehicles allocated to the Wicklow Garda division as on 21 February 2019. Responsibility for the efficient deployment of vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations in accordance with operational need.

Garda Fleet in Wicklow Division as on 21 February 2019