Vol. 419 No. 1
98 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the premises currently used for Drogheda Garda station are totally unsuitable and unsatisfactory; and if he will outline when it is intended to build a new Garda station for Drogheda on the site that was acquired for this purpose.
99 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the deplorable condition of Drogheda Garda station and the serious risk of it being a fire hazard; and if he will make a statement on the matter dealing particularly with any proposals he has to alleviate the situation.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
The Garda District Headquarters station in Drogheda is in poor condition and is not adequate to meet the long term needs of the Garda Síochána.
A site purchased by the Office of Public Works for a new Garda station at this centre was subsequently found to be of archaeological interest. In view of the implications which this would have for cost, the possible availability of suitable alternative sites in the town is being pursued. Two sites have already been inspected but were found to be unsuitable. The Office of Public Works have been asked to identify, as a matter of urgency, any other sites that may be available.
Consideration is also being given at present to matters such as the design of the station in order to ensure that there is no avoidable delay with the project once the site issue is resolved.
