An Garda Siochana recently unveiled a new fleet of vehicles for the force’s Traffic Corps. The vehicles were officially revealed at Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park by the Taoiseach and are funded from a €10m package announced by the government in the last Budget. The €10m has been used to purchase 265 liveried cars, comprising 85 Hyundai i30 estates, 160 Hyundai i40 estates and 20 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer-Traffic. Along with this the Gardai have also purchased 80 unmarked cars including 30 Ford Focus saloons and 50 Hyundai i40 saloons as well as a further 25 unmarked vans.

Speaking at the unveiling Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the new fleet would target crime and protect communities in Ireland. The Taoiseach said “The provision of these new vehicles is being accompanied by the recent recruitment of new Gardai, marking the Government’s commitment to enhancing the police presence in communities and supporting An Garda Siochana in tackling and preventing crime.”

While at Garda headquarters Mr. Kenny met with met Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan to discuss reform of the force following the publication of a report by the Garda Inspectorate. The report had said that the Garda Pulse computer system was not “fit for purpose” and that it should be replaced by a more modern system in order to report serious crimes.

The Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan said very “comprehensive requirements” had been identified by a new committee set up to look at Garda ICT (information and communication technology needs). Ms O’ Sullivan said “It isn’t just about Pulse. It’s about actually creating a modern and effective ICT system that facilitates and enables the working of An Garda Siochana and we’re very focused on doing that.”

Pic: Garda Commissioner Noirin O’ Sullivan, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald with some of the new fleet at Garda HQ.