asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the appalling condition of Drogheda Garda Station, County Louth; and the proposals he has to remedy the position at a matter of extreme urgency.
20.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Garda Station.
19.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the deplorable state of Drogheda Garda Station, County Louth and that it is impossible for approximately 70 members of the force to perform their duties in present circumstances; and if he will have the station examined and arrange to have it renovated and refurnished.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
Arrangements are being made to carry out a scheme of alterations and improvements, including the provision of prefabricated offices, at Drogheda Garda Station.
Could the Minister say when it is proposed to carry out the alterations as suggested to Drogheda Garda station?
Drogheda Garda station is a divisional headquarters and it is not adequate for requirements at the moment. We are trying to get a new building in that area. We have carried out some improvements to the station already.
Is the Minister aware that Drogheda Garda station, as it is at present, is a dirty, smelly building with absolutely no accommodation for anybody and that the only repair carried out there recently was some rewiring in which the wires were left hanging out of the walls? Is he aware that this is almost the first main Garda station encountered by people coming from the North of Ireland into the Republic, and will he do something about having it repaired rather than suggesting that it will be replaced in perhaps ten years time? Could the Minister tell me when something might be done — perhaps clean the floor and windows or paint the woodwork?
A proposal to relocate the gardaí in another building, which would have to be purchased and adapted, is being considered by the Commissioners of Public Works in conjunction with the Department of Justice. The proposal, if found feasible, would take several years to mature. Last year the station was painted externally by the Office of Public Works and was redecorated and improved toilet facilities were provided. Improvements to the cells were carried out two years ago. At the request of the Garda authorities two portable offices are being installed at the station to provide new accommodation for PSV and traffic corps staff. When these are ready for use in about four weeks' time adaptation work will be carried out in a number of rooms in the main building including those vacated by the PSV staff and the traffic corps to provide improved accommodation for the staff remaining within the station. Internal redecoration of all areas not painted in the recent past will be carried out on the completion of the adaptation work.
Is the Minister aware that the office accommodation that is being replaced now is situated in cellars equipped with pieces of broken furniture and mattresses? Is he aware that each of the two cells contains dirty, smelly mattresses and blankets that have not been moved for years? Does he know that the extra toilet accommodation he is talking about consists of two holes in the ground? Is he aware that is the situation in a Garda station in the Republic?
Could we have a supplementary question from Deputy Tully please?
Obviously, the Minister is not aware of this and I am asking by way of question so that he can read it in his office——
You cannot go to that length at Question Time to make him aware of anything. A supplementary question, please.
Is the Minister aware that there are a chief superintendent, a superintendent and 70 gardaí, male and female, in that derelict building and to suggest that in four years' time a new building might be erected is an insult to the intelligence of the gardaí and Members of this House.
We shall try to proceed as soon as possible with having alternative accommodation made available to the gardaí in the area. We have already had some alterations carried out in the past and we intend carrying out more alterations in the future.
(Interruptions.)
We cannot spend all day on this question.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Did I understand the Minister to say that he expected to have pre-fabricated buildings installed here? Would he not agree that they are entirely unsatisfactory, that their history is bad? Does the Minister realise that this is a very important Garda station, that the gardaí in this station are responsible for keeping an eye on the air corridor about which the Minister of State was concerned some months ago and about which he gave Deputy Lynch such a rough time?
The Deputy is making statements now.
Was that the issue the Minister said he would resign over?
A final supplementary from Deputy Quinn. I understand we were anxious to get some questions answered.
Yes, but it is a good crack.
Not as far as questions are concerned.
John B. Keane could write a play on that, at least one.
Deputy L'Estrange should go and write a play outside.
This would be very funny if it was not sad and serious. We have a Minister of State attempting to reply to a serious question. Does he seriously regard what he read out from his brief as an adequate response to a parliamentary question? Does he or anybody in his Department know what the situation is in Drogheda? Has anybody from his Department visited Drogheda? Can I, for the third time, ask the question that Deputy Tully asked? When will the Minister do anything about the existing Garda station in Drogheda? Can the Minister answer those questions in single words?
I said that we are erecting a prefabricated building for use until we purchase a new building for the Garda station in Drogheda, because the existing building is not adequate. We are trying to carry out any of the repairs required as soon as possible.
When?
As soon as possible.
When?
Within the next few months.
Question No. 21 has gone for written reply.