Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Feb 1992

Vol. 416 No. 1

Written Answers. - Santry (Dublin) Site.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

125 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the plans, if any, his Department have in relation to the future of the unused portion of the site owned by the Garda Síochána on Shanowen Road, Santry, County Dublin; and if he will undertake to have it properly maintained in the interim.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

The Santry complex was acquired in 1983 for the purpose of accommodating the barrack master's stores and offices, garage and ancillary services and a divisional headquarters station for the north central division.

A section of the complex was developed/refurbished in 1984 and the divisional headquarters was accommodated in this area. It was estimated at that time that it would cost £4 million to develop the remainder of the complex to accommodate the barrack master's requirements and those of the Garda garage. When it became apparent that there would be some delay in commencing this project due to other demands on available funds, it was agreed to make available on a temporary basis a section of the lower half of the complex for storage for other Government Departments.

The Santry project is being re-examined at present with a view to developing the remainder of the complex.

It is not possible to say at this stage the exact use to which the property will be put in the future, until there is more detailed information available about the Garda requirements and the various costs involved.

The Santry complex encompasses about 17 acres. The gardens in front of Santry Garda station are maintained by a contract cleaning firm since 1984. Tenders are being invited at the moment to have the two ponds in this area cleaned and maintained properly. It is not possible to say when work will commence on these, but there will be no avoidable delay. Arrangements are also in hand to have a general clean-up carried out on the remainder of the site.