Figures obtained recently by Dublin Mid-West, John Curran T.D. reveal that DMR West Garda division has been hit the hardest compared to other Garda Divisions in the Country with the number of vehicles in operation having dramatically fallen since the beginning of 2018. Commenting on the data, Deputy Curran said, “DMR West Garda Division is one of the worst affected areas with the reduction in the number of Garda Vehicles in the force.
“It’s deeply concerning that judging by these figures there are not enough vehicles attached to Garda stations. DMR West is one of the worst affected areas by both scramblers and organised crime now has 30 fewer vehicles than it had at the beginning of last year. Only 6 new vehicles were added to the fleet in DMR West in 2018 and not one new vehicle has been added to the fleet in this Division yet this year. “The illegal use of scramblers and quad bikes continue to frighten communities across our communities. On street drug dealing and drug use in our area is becoming a real issue for local residents, not to mention the presence of organised crime in the area. One of the few ways of containing the problem is for Gardaí to regularly patrol the areas affected.
“It’s obvious then the number of Garda patrols is inevitably impeded and their ability to be present on our roads and in the community to prevent and tackle crime is greatly restricted. Yet, there are significant gaps in the allocation of vehicles in the division and in divisions across Dublin. “We were told by the Minister in 2016 that over €40 million was specifically provided for investment in the Garda fleet up to 2021. Fianna Fáil were assured this week that a capital allocation of €10 million has been made available to An Garda Síochána for the purchase of vehicles this year. “If it is the case that a number of older vehicles or those that are no longer roadworthy are being withdrawn from the fleet in the capital then they should be replaced in line with the allocated State funding. Regardless, the uneven distribution of Garda vehicles should not be jeopardising the safety of those living in Dublin. “The operational demands of Gardaí in Dublin are steadily increasing, they have been for some time, and if the State is not responding to address that then we can surely expect problems. “An Garda Síochána must be supported by Government to be maintained as a modern, visible, responsive police force, concluded Curran.
