More than 100 Garda stations don’t have internet connection
ALMOST a fifth of the country’s Garda stations don’t have an internet connection.
Of the country’s 564 operational stations, 111 are without internet connectivity. It means these stations are unable to access the force’s ICT services, including the Pulse computer system.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said internet connectivity for 34 of the stations was nearing completion under the Garda’s modernisation and renewal programme.
In response to a Dáil question from Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan, Mr Flanagan said the 111 stations were unable to access Pulse.
“However, any member attached to a currently unconnected station can access Pulse at their local district station. Members in non-networked locations can also contact the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) or an associated networked station if required,” he said.
Mr Flanagan said An Garda Síochána was at the early stages of planning for the connection of another 12 stations, and “this work is due to be completed before the end of 2018”.
He added that the force was engaged “in planning connectivity solutions for the remaining 65 stations, taking into account factors such as local access to broadband services and the potential for mobile connectivity”.
He said as part of the modernisation programme, €342m was being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021.
Separately, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said that it had cost taxpayers €193,792 so far this year to maintain and provide security for vacant Garda stations.