Concerns as Garda vehicles not replaced

HUNDREDS of Garda patrol cars, 4x4s and unmarked cars have been taken off the roads in the past four years — but just half of these vehicles have been replaced with new models.

Gardaí say this lack of Garda cars is having a serious effect on crime prevention as gardaí cannot go on patrol. Rural TDs say this problem is particularly acute in the countryside as gardaí cannot go “on the beat on foot” or use bicycles or even horses.

A total of 365 Garda vehicles were taken off the road in the past four years but just 190 new 4x4s and cars were brought on stream, according to Department of Justice figures.

Gardaí say the cars taken out of usage were crashed, subject to criminal damage or have clocked up over 300,000 miles and so under current regulations, must be decommissioned.

The Association of Garda Sergeants (AGSI) is calling for the 300,000km rule to be suspended temporarily because vehicles are not being replaced.

“We need to prevent crime as well as respond to urgent calls. General patrolling is particularly important in rural areas. Transport is as vital to policing as bodies and equipment,” said AGSI National Executive member, Willie Gleeson.

“You never know what crime you are preventing when you are doing your job properly and out there patrolling the countryside. At some stage soon, this is going to reach a critical point”.

He added: “If a 300,000 kilometre car is deemed road-worthy and has been subjected to all the proper services along the way, then as a temporary measure, it should be allowed to remain in the Garda fleet. It is ridiculous that it can be used at 299,000 miles and then suddenly it is off road.”

So far this year, 220 Garda vehicles have been taken off the road and just 10 new cars introduced into the fleet. In 2008, 428 cars were taken off the road and just 190 new ones were introduced. In 2009, no new cars were brought on line but 47 were taken off the road.

The figures were supplied following a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary.

According to Kerry South TD, Michael Healy Rae, 10 more cars are needed in the South Kerry garda division. “Gardaí aren’t able to police properly without cars. It’s as simple as that.

“The current situation is ridiculous but especially in remote areas where gardaí can’t patrol on foot or use bikes. This is a cause of grave concern.”

Answering a parliamentary question on the matter from Mr Healy-Rae, Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the distribution of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda commissioner.