Vol. 482 No. 6
359 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has issued instructions to the relevant authorities to acquire a premises or site for a new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare; if this objective is currently being actively pursued; if there will be a satisfactory conclusion in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/97]
379 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 9 October 1997, the number of new inquiries his Department has initiated in relation to the acquisition of a site for a Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare; the positive outcome, if any, there has been in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18890/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 379 together.
The Office of Public Works have been requested by my Department to acquire a suitable site in Leixlip for a new Garda station. I understand that they have identified two sites which might be suitable. A number of approaches regarding the availability of these sites have been made to the owners and their response is awaited. It is not possible to predict at this stage if these approaches will be successful. It has recently been learned that three further properties may be available and these will be inspected shortly.
Pending the provision of a new station the existing leased accommodation occupied by the gardaí will be extended and upgraded. Negotiations are ongoing with the owner of the premises in this regard.
