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Minister For
Justice, Equality and Law Reform:
I have indicated previously that I regard the provision of adequate and
proper accommodation for the Garda Síochána as a very important issue.
There are in excess of 700 Garda stations in the country. This figure
does not include major complexes like Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix
Park in Dublin, the Garda College in Templemore and other units of
accommodation. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not a simple task
to maintain and refurbish so many Garda buildings, and certainly not one
that is amenable to a quick fix solution. However, this task is being
tackled in a systematic and purposeful manner through the Garda building
programme. Those stations most in need of attention have been identified
and are being addressed in a prioritised way, with the co-operation of
the Garda authorities, the main representative associations, the OPW and
my own Department.
The Office of Public Works has indicated to me that it plans to spend of
the order of €112 million in the period 2005 to the end of 2007 on a
wide range of Garda projects including, for example, major projects in
Ballymun, Finglas and Claremorris. In addition, the Office of Public
Works is engaged in ongoing smaller projects involving refurbishment and
maintenance related issues at Garda stations. That office has informed
my Department that in 2005, €5.2 million was spent on 38 Garda stations
on such works. This is additional to a budget in excess of €7 million
for 2005 in the Garda Vote for maintenance of Garda premises.
The Office of Public Works is reviewing, in consultation with my
Department and the Garda authorities, the equity exchange programme,
which aims to replace inadequate small Garda stations with modern,
purpose built, stations on an exchange of equity basis.
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