Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 5

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

274 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the research, if any, done by his Department into the history of Kevin Street Garda station; if he will confirm that it is now over 800 years old; if he will confirm that it was previously the Palace of the Archbishops of Dublin known as the Palace of St. Sepulchre; the history of the building; the plans, if any, there are for conserving the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Kevin Street Garda station is situated in the Liberties next door to Marsh's Library and St. Patrick's Cathedral. It has been a police station in one form or another since 1806. Prior to this it was known as the Palace of St. Sepulchre and the building is over 800 years old.

The building was sold to the Dublin Mounted Police and became a barracks from then until 1922, after which it was occupied by the Garda Síochána.

The building is owned by the Commission of Public Works. It is proposed to include the building in the Draft Dublin City Development Plan 1998, as a preserved building because of its historical interest.