Jennifer Whitmore
Question:705. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda cars in Wicklow available to respond to call outs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43910/24]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2024
Questions (705)
Written answers
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to Keep People Safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This represents a 27% increase in funding since 2020.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
There are now over 3,500 Garda vehicles, which represents a 34% increase since 2015.
I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of policing priorities and crime trends.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the strength of the Wicklow District fleet as of 30 September 2024.
|
- |
Cars |
Vans |
4x4 |
Other |
Total |
|
Wicklow District |
16 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
25 |
I am informed Wicklow District is part of the recently merged Wexford/Wicklow Division, under the new Garda Operating Model. The responsibility for the efficient deployment of all official Garda vehicles in each Division is assigned to the Divisional Officer, who may allocate vehicles between stations as required by operational circumstances.
I am further advised the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources, and is reviewed on a continual basis.