Vol. 463 No. 6
73 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Justice whether provision has been made in 1996 for the construction of a new Garda station at Maam, Connemara, County Galway; and if she will agree in principle to the sale of the old Garda barracks to Coiste Forbartha an Mháma for the purpose of converting it into a community centre and tourist hostel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7074/96]
The Office of Public Works is currently preparing plans for the replacement of the existing station at Maam with a basic unit station on the same site. It is not possible to say at this stage when this project will commence. The Deputy will appreciate that given available resources each project must be addressed within the context of overall priorities throughout the country. He can be assured, however, that there will be no avoidable delay with the project.
With regard to the question of the sale of the existing station, I must point out that this building cannot be made available until the new station is built and occupied by the Garda. When it has been vacated it will then be entirely a matter for the Office of Public Works to make arrangements for its disposal.
