Vol. 397 No. 9
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the delay in providing a Garda station in Leixlip, County Kildare; if there has been any change in plans regarding the provision of this station; if his attention has been drawn to the need for this facility in Leixlip; if he has any plans to provide this station before the end of 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
35 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the number, if any, of proposed new Garda stations in County Kildare; when he will provide such facilities; if he will outline the role, if any, to be played by such stations in the general policing of the various divisions in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 35 together.
I accept that there is need for a Garda substation in Leixlip. The Office of Public Works is experiencing continuing difficulties in securing suitable premises, on reasonable terms, for the planned substation, which will open as soon as suitable premises are found. I am assured that every effort is being made to secure the required premises.
This substation is the only new Garda station planned for County Kildare at present. The new station will be a substation of Lucan Garda station. The intention is that it will serve as the centre for patrolling of the Leixlip area, including foot patrols in the town. Normal station services will be provided there in relation to such matters as production of driving licences and motor insurance certificates, certification of passport applications, etc.
Apart from new stations, there are long-term plans to build replacement stations at Monasterevin, Rathangan and Ballymore Eustace. No change in policing arrangements will be involved in the provision of these. It is not possible at this stage to say when work will get underway on these projects.
