Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Enda Kenny

Question:

362 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the priority lists for provision of new Garda stations above Ballinrobe in priority; the proposed timescale before all these have been attended to; if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 9 November 1999, the term attended to means being constructed and completed; the reason it is not possible to have a sketch plan for the new station in Ballinrobe prepared before then; the restrictions on his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23485/99]

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

The building and major refurbishment of Garda stations is carried out in conformity with a priority list compiled in consultation with the Garda authorities, Garda staff associations and Office of Public Works. There are 16 stations on this list with a priority higher than Ballinrobe that have yet to be addressed.

It should be noted, however, that works are not always undertaken in strict numerical sequence as, for instance, the commencement of a project may first be dependent upon the successful acquisition of a greenfield site for the development.

As a consequence, it is not possible to state, at this point, when work might commence at Ballinrobe. However, the Deputy can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in starting work on this development, including the preparation of a sketch scheme by the Office of Public Works, subject to satisfactory progression on higher priority projects.