Vol. 569 No. 3
398 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the seriously inadequate, unsuitable and unsafe condition of Portlaoise Garda station, County Laois; the position regarding the building of a new Garda station in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [217862/03]
399 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a new Garda station is urgently needed in Portlaoise, County Laois, to replace the existing Garda station which was built in the mid 1800s and in relation to which the Health and Safety Authority were of the opinion that it was not so far as is reasonably and practicably safe and without risks to health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [217863/03]
I am aware of the accommodation difficulties at Portlaoise Garda station. There are plans to fully address the accommodation needs of the Garda there. The Office of Public Works are currently considering various options including extending the existing station into an adjacent site and building a new station elsewhere in the town. When that office advises my Department of the results of their deliberations, further urgent consideration will be given to the matter.
Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot say at this point when the project will commence, but I can assure her that there will be no avoidable delay in providing adequate accommodation for the Garda at Portlaoise. I understand from the Office of Public Works that the issues requiring attention at the station, which were identified by the Health and Safety Authority have, as far as is practical, been attended to by that office and the authority so informed.
