Michael Ring
Question:303 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a district Garda headquarters in Ballina is in a deplorable state. [22822/97]
Written Answers. - Garda Stations.
Michael Ring
Question:304 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the gardaí of the Ballina district headquarters must work in such terrible conditions in view of the fact that the building is neither fit for those employed there or for those in their custody. [22823/97]
Michael Ring
Question:305 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Government's plans, if any, concerning the necessary renovation and improvement to the district headquarters in Ballina, County Mayo. [22824/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 to 305, inclusive, together.
Many of the buildings in which Garda stations are, or have been, housed around the country are old and unsuitable. For some years now there has been a major building programme in train to replace or upgrade these buildings. Because of the total amount of investment needed to fully upgrade or replace all unsuitable Garda buildings this work has had to be scheduled on a priority programme basis. The relative priority of projects is determined in consultation with Garda management and with the Garda and Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Representative Associations.
The replacement of the Garda station at Ballina is on the building programme priority list. However, there are a number of projects on that list ahead of Ballina and it would not be feasible to seek to place Ballina ahead of one of those other stations.
The Deputy can be assured that I am fully committed to obtaining the maximum level of resources I can for the Garda building programme. I will ensure that a new station is provided in Ballina as soon as possible in the context of what I have said. In the meantime, I have asked my officials to examine, in consultation with the Office of Public Works and the gardaíin Ballina, whether any immediate action can be taken to improve conditions.