asked the Minister for Finance if he will expedite sanction for the provision of a new Garda station at Newport, County Tipperary; and if he will ensure that building operations will start without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Stations.
2.
Mr. Kenny
Sanction has been given for the erection of a new Garda station and residence at Newport and it is hoped to invite tenders within the next three or four months. Building will commence as quickly as possible after a tender has been accepted.
3.
asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to start the building of the new Garda station at Kill, County Kildare.
Mr. Kenny
The only suitable site available for the erection of a new Garda station at Kill is that of the existing station. The purchase of those premises from the landlord has been completed and it is hoped that the planning of the new building which is included in the intensive programme for the provision of new Garda stations will commence later this year. It is not possible at this stage to say exactly when building work will commence but it is hoped to have it in hands by the end of next year.
4.
asked the Minister for Finance when work will commence on the new Garda station at Grange, County Sligo.
Mr. Kenny
Legal formalities for the purchase of a site at Grange for the erection of a new Garda station are nearing completion. The preparation of plans and specifications for the new building will be undertaken as soon as possible but it is yet too early to say when work is likely to commence.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this matter has been going on for some years now?
Mr. Kenny
The Commissioners held it under lease since 27th October, 1948, and the present landlord is William Molloy who purchased the premises in 1960. In 1960 negotiations were entered into with Mr. Molloy for the purchase of a site for a new station but the matter was deferred at his request due to road widening by Sligo County Council and also pending a decision by the Department of Justice on the future policing arrangements for the area. In September, 1973, the Department of Justice informed the Commissioners of their revised requirements and asked them to acquire a site. A site was brought to the notice of the Garda and offered in response to an advertisement and agreement was finally reached in November, 1974, for the purchase for £2,000 of a site offered by Mr. Molloy. The agreement for sale is being executed and it is hoped the legal formalities will be completed shortly. The existing premises will be surrendered by Mr. Molloy when the new station is completed. It was not, therefore, really the fault of the Ministry of Justice.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary use his good offices to speed up this matter?
Mr. Kenny
As expeditiously as possible.
5.
asked the Minister for Finance the present position in regard to the proposed provision of a new Garda station at Mallow, County Cork.
Mr. Kenny
Sketch plans for the new Garda station in Mallow are being prepared and it is expected that work on the building will commence next year.
6.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will list the Garda stations in County Galway where new works or improvements are to be carried out in 1975.
Mr. Kenny
Work is in progress on the erection of a new Garda station and residence in Kiltullagh. During the year minor improvement works were completed at Eglinton Street, Inverin and Recess Garda stations. It is hoped to invite tenders shortly for improvements to Kilronan Garda station and to the married quarters at Mountbellew.