Vol. 416 No. 7
82 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East): asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the plans he has to bring Garda accommodation in the Limerick Garda division up to an appropriate standard; if, in particular he will give details of the work to be carried out to improve Garda accommodation in the division in the years 1992 and 1993.
The current Garda building programme was launched seven years ago to tackle the serious accommodation crisis which existed in many Garda stations. The programme, which is based on priorities agreed following consultation with the Garda representative associations, has seen the replacement of eight divisional headquarters stations, 13 district headquarters stations, 30 smaller stations and the provision of four major extensions.
In so far as the Limerick Garda division is concerned new station buildings have been provided in recent years as follows: Roxboro, Pallaskenry, Patrickswell, Kilmallock and Foynes. I might also mention that renovation works totalling some £15,500 were carried out at Athea, Tournafulla, Castletown and Shanagolden stations in 1991. The conversion of a former ESB premises in Rathkeale for use as a new Garda station is nearing completion at present. Further improvements to Garda accommodation in the Limerick division will be provided over the coming years in the light of overall priorities and available finance.
