asked the Minister for Justice if there are any plans to replace the Garda barracks in Monaghan town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Garda Barracks.
122.
The immediate proposal is to carry out extensive repairs to the existing station and these will commence in the course of the next few months. Proposals for a new station are being considered.
In view of the number of extra gardaí in that area is a new station not essential?
It is agreed that a new station is needed in Monaghan and preliminary work in providing it is under way in the sense that an assessment has been made of the accommodation needed. This has been completed and drawings will now be proceeded with. In the meantime all that can be done to meet the immediate difficulty is to carry out fairly extensive repairs to the present station there.
Would the Minister speed up as much as possible the erection of the new Garda station? A large number of extra gardaí being recruited will be stationed in the Border areas. It is very important that they have accommodation.
I am very anxious that a new station be built as quickly as possible. The preliminary work is already under way. It will take a considerable time before work is completed.
Will it take years or months?
Probably years, if one considers the preliminary work and the actual work yet to be done.