Written Answers. - New Garda Stations.
Theresa Ahearn
Question:
99
Mrs. T. Ahearn
asked the
Minister for Justice
the number and location of new Garda stations provided in each of the years from 1990 to 1992; the Garda stations which were repaired or extended in this period; the number of proposed new Garda stations; if she will given their order of priority; when they will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
New station accommodation which includes major refurbishment/ extensions as well as new buildings, has been provided in each of the years 1990 to 1992 at the following 24 locations:—
1990
Garda Office, O'Connell Street; Foynes; Watercourse Road, Cork; Bangor Erris; Borrisoleigh; Mullingar.
1991
Garda Office, Leixlip; Bandon; Carlow; Shannon; Balbriggan; Mulranny; Anglesea Street, Cork; Sligo.
1992
Dún Laoghaire; Charleville; Kells; Woodford; Monasterevan; Tipperary; Rathkeale; Dunboyne; Carrick-on-Suir.
The improvement and repairs to Garda stations is tackled on an on-going basis. The work involved ranges from new facilities such as central heating, new kitchen facilities and shower facilities to improvements to cells, emergency repairs and painting and decoration. The order in which stations are addressed is based on overall priorities and available finances.
The amount of time which would be required to compile a list of all stations on which work was done in the three years in question would not be justified. However, the total expenditure on the maintenance of Garda premises during these three years came to approximately £6.2 million and work would have been done to a large number of stations during this period.
At present new station accommodation is nearing completion at Togher and Glenties. Work has recently commenced at Cahir and Roscommon, a contract has been placed for Milford and tenders have been received for Midleton and have been invited for Castlebar. Other projects will be progressed in the light of overall piorities and the availability of funds.
A review of the Garda Building Programme is being carried out at present to assess Garda accommodation needs, having regard to changing Garda requirements and to make recommendations as to how these should be met on the most cost effective basis. The review will help pinpoint the objectives we must set ourselves in relation to Garda accommodation for the years ahead.
