As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. Budget 2023 provides funding of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána, of which I am informed that €10m has been allocated for investment in the Garda fleet.
The table below which has been provided to me by the Garda authorities sets out the number of vehicles attached to the Galway Division at end December 2012 up to end December 2021, and at 28 October 2022, the latest date for which figures are available. I am advised that An Garda Síochána does not provide vehicle allocations by Garda Station for security reasons.
Galway Division
|
Cars
|
Vans
|
Motorcycles
|
4x4
|
*Others
|
Total
|
28/10/2022
|
83
|
24
|
6
|
2
|
1
|
116
|
31/12/2021
|
90
|
22
|
6
|
2
|
1
|
121
|
31/12/2020
|
96
|
24
|
6
|
1
|
1
|
128
|
31/12/2019
|
71
|
24
|
6
|
1
|
1
|
103
|
31/12/2018
|
66
|
22
|
6
|
4
|
4
|
102
|
31/12/2017
|
67
|
16
|
5
|
2
|
3
|
93
|
31/12/2016
|
64
|
20
|
8
|
4
|
1
|
97
|
31/12/2015
|
59
|
13
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
81
|
31/12/2014
|
56
|
13
|
7
|
2
|
2
|
80
|
31/12/2013
|
50
|
15
|
7
|
3
|
3
|
78
|
31/12/2012
|
51
|
11
|
9
|
4
|
3
|
78
|
*The category 'others' refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána publish information on Garda fleet, including a Divisional/District monthly breakdown, on their website at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/finance-services/finance-fleet-management.html