Patrol cars at lowest number since 2007

Even if the justice minister keeps his promise to supply 170 patrol cars, they will still be down an estimated 130 vehicles by the end of the year, say gardaí.

Garda Representative Association president John Parker was reacting to figures released by Justice Minister Alan Shatter following a Dáil question from Cork East TD Tom Barry.

Mr Barry was told 234 vehicles were withdrawn from service between January and September, leaving the fleet strength at 2,457 — its lowest since 2007.