asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda station accommodation at Clondalkin County Dublin, is adequate; and, if not, the proposals he has to provide an additional station to serve the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clondalkin (Dublin) Garda Station.
9.
(Limerick East): I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that the station accommodation at Clondalkin is considered to be adequate. However, as there have been major housing developments in this area which are some distance from the station, a contract has been placed for a temporary additional station at Neilstown. Work on the new station has commenced and should be completed by the end of this year.
Is the Minister aware that the Garda station at Clondalkin is used not only for Garda purposes but also for social welfare purposes and that the spectacle is to be seen every week of large queues of people waiting, very often in inclement weather, to sign on for social welfare payments? Would the Minister not agree that in these circumstances additional accommodation is required urgently?
(Limerick East): Yes, but that happens also in other areas in Dublin. If the Deputy would use his good offices as a local representative and a Member of this House to provide alternative accommodation for the Department of Social Welfare it would relieve pressure on the Garda barracks. As I said, a temporary station is being provided at Neilstown, one-and-a-half miles from the present station at Clondalkin. A contract for the erection of the temporary station has been placed and work has commenced on the project. The new temporary station will cost £170,000 and will include public offices for sergeants, detectives, juvenile liaison officers and Ban Gardaí, recreation rooms, doctors' room, kitchens and cells.
Could the Minister give an approximate indication when it might become available?
(Limerick East): The contract has been placed and work has commenced. I do not have a terminal date here.