asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the necessity for governmental economy, he will reconsider the proposal to build a new Garda station at Carrigart, County Donegal, at an estimated cost of £4,500.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carrigart Garda Station.
The answer is in the negative.
In view of the fact that the present strength of the Garda at Carrigart is one sergeant and one Garda, would the Minister not reconsider his decision and renovate one of the vacant houses in the locality instead of paying this £4,500 on a new barracks?
And give it to Ballina Harbour.
The building to which the Deputy refers was described by the Office of Public Works as being unfit for habitation and I feel sure that the Deputy does not suggest that the Gardaí should be put into a building of that type. I should also like to remind the Deputy that my predecessor in office stated in reply to a parliamentary question last year that the building would have been begun in that year, so that we are actually behind time with it.
In view of that necessity for economy and in view of the fact that a house could be purchased which could be renovated at a very small figure, would the Minister not reconsider his decision?
It might be an economy of finance but it might be the reverse in respect to lives.