An extra £200 million has been guaranteed by the British coalition government to help police in Northern Ireland tackle the terror threat over the next four years.
The Northern Ireland Executive will also provide an extra £45 million for security, the government confirmed tonight.
It follows a formal request from Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Matt Baggott, in response to the heightened threat level from dissident republicans.
Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson said: “The coalition government has always made clear that we will protect the people of this country with all the means at our disposal.
“We are therefore honouring the agreement reached on the devolution of policing and justice and going beyond it by agreeing to guarantee an additional £199.5 million over the next four years for the PSNI to help protect the community and tackle the terrorist threat.
“We are doing this despite the unprecedented pressures on the public finances.”
Earlier this year two viable bombs were discovered on the Antrim Road, Belfast. One was attached to a child’s bicycle. Police believe it was intended to kill officers.
There have been a string of attacks on police stations and British home secretary Theresa May has warned of the escalated danger.
The deal will provide British treasury funding of £57 million, £53 million, £62 million and £27 million over the next four years above the PSNI’s existing budget.
Mr Ford said the additional money is required to protect the community by enabling frontline policing to be maintained. It will also support efforts to reduce the threat faced through meeting additional police officer costs relating to security, investigation and close protection; and providing additional civilian and forensic resource and technical support.
The general police budget has been subjected to efficiencies. A total of £135 million savings over four years has been agreed with the PSNI.
PA