Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

481 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the developments, if any, which have taken place in respect of the acquisition of a site and premises for the provision of a new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare, since 1 December 1997; the actual number of inquiries made by the relevant officials with the objective of acquiring this facility; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that present interim measures by way of extended services at the local Garda sub-office are unacceptable; the date he expects to be in a position to approve the acquisition of a site or premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2242/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen):

Since the decision to establish a Garda station in Leixlip, Office of Public Works officials have been in contact with all auctioneers and estate agents in Leixlip and have investigated a total of 11 properties, a number of which may prove capable of providing a suitable site for a new station. It is not possible, at this stage, to give any indication of when a suitable property might be acquired but the matter is being actively pursued.

Pending the provision of the new station, the Office of Public Works has negotiated a lease of the building of which the existing Garda station substation forms a part. This building will be fitted out to provide an upgraded Garda station in Leixlip. These works will commence in early February and will take approximately eight weeks to complete.