Jim Higgins
Question:788 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when reconstruction work will be carried out on the Garda station at Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. [1957/98]
Written Answers. - Garda Stations.
The position is that the Garda authorities are reviewing their requirements at Ballyhaunis at the moment. The Garda housing officer proposes to visit this location shortly. It is not possible to say at this stage when work might be carried out to the station as it will be dependent on overall priorities and the availability of finance.
Jim Higgins
Question:789 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in view of his replies to Questions Nos. 303, 304 and 305 of 16 December 1997 regarding the Garda station building programme priority list if he will indicate the Garda stations that are on the list ahead of Ballina. [1958/98]
I cannot give the Deputy complete details of all the projects which may commence ahead of Ballina as various issues can affect the programme, such as availability of sites and levels of funding. Also, the list is reviewed on an annual basis in consultation with Garda management and with representatives of the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and, obviously, priorities may change somewhat when circumstances at various stations are reviewed.
The projects which will be ongong this year are Blanchardstown, Terenure, Waterford, Thurles and it is planned to make a start on projects at Rathmines, Mayorstone, Cobh and Clondalkin.
Jim Higgins
Question:790 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of homeless children who called to Garda stations in the Dublin area in December 1997 for the purpose of seeking accommodation. [1960/98]
The Garda authorities have informed me that during the month of December 1997 a total of 76 children, i.e. those under the age of 18 years, attended at Garda stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Area seeking accommodation.
Jim Higgins
Question:791 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when reconstruction and an extension will be carried out at Claremorris Garda station, County Mayo. [1959/98]
It is proposed to build a new Garda station at Claremorris on the existing site. The Office of Public Works is in the process of purchasing an adjoining strip of land for this purpose. It is not possible to say at this stage when the work will begin because there are a number of projects to be completed ahead of Claremorris. However, detailed planning will proceed as soon as possible in line with overall priorities.