Thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter. I wish to clarify one point. I was led to understand that the site was acquired over 30 years ago but in fact the site was purchased 20 years ago, which is not quite as bad.
The gardaí are in the present rented bungalow since about 1966. This two-bedroomed bungalow may have been all right in 1966 but now with 16 to 17 gardaí and three sergeants based in it, it is totally unacceptable as a Garda station and does not meet the requirements under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
I thank the Minister for her written reply on 12 February where she points out the problems the Office of Public Works has with the site it bought in the mid-seventies. These discussions or lack of them have gone on for far too long. The lease on the present station is, I understand, nearly up. The premises may then be re-leased or bought, or better sites may be available. What is the cost to date of the site investigations of the past 18 to 20 years? The Minister should remember that this station provides Garda cover for a difficult Border region in which almost all roads are closed, which, in turn, creates security problems. Gardaí in this station who are on duty in all weathers do not have proper washing or drying facilities for their clothes. There is no private room in which to interview people and radio communications and telephone calls are made in one public office.
Deputies Leonard, O'Hanlon and I met Garda representatives at Scotstown station on 16 January last. From what we saw that day there is an urgent need to update the accommodation there — I know the other Deputies support me in this matter. If we are serious about law and order in this area we should ensure that gardaí have reasonable accommodation with proper interviewing rooms and a possible holding room. Above all there should be proper accommodation for gardaí to clean themselves and dry their clothes and a room in which to relax.
I realise that money is scarce but this is an urgent matter. The Minister should do his best to provide the necessary Garda station for Scotstown. It is a coincidence that after I received permission to raise this matter tonight I was advised of an article in last Sunday's edition of The Sunday Times which outlines the difficulties facing gardaí in this area. I would point out to the Minister that as a result of the bad state of repair of roads in the area, £6,000 had to be spent last year on servicing one Garda car.
