Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
685. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of new Garda cars and vans allocated to Garda R and J districts of DMR in 2025 and to-date in 2026; and the number of Garda cars and vans withdrawn from these districts during same period, in tabular form. [17231/26]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes all operational policing matters, such as the distribution and deployment of the Garda fleet across the State. The Commissioner is independent in his functions under Section 34 of the Act.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as of 28 February 2026, there were 3,658 vehicles attached to the Garda fleet.
The Garda authorities have provided the table below which provides the number of cars and vans allocated and removed from DMR North Division in 2025, and as of 27 February 2026.
|
Year |
Allocated cars |
Allocated vans |
Removed cars |
Removed vans |
|
2025 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
|
2026 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
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.
The Deputy may wish to note that the allocation of Garda resources, including vehicles, is informed by the organisation’s Operating Model. Under this model, An Garda Síochána has moved away from the former District structure, including R and J Districts within the Dublin Metropolitan Region, and now operates on a Divisional basis.
The Operating Model is designed to enhance frontline policing, strengthen community engagement and provide a greater focus on specialised services at Divisional level. As a result, vehicle allocations are made at Divisional level rather than by reference to the former District structure.
