Vol. 550 No. 5
97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the procedures which have been concluded regarding the acquisition of a site or building for a new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare; the nature and number of discussions which have taken place in the past four years on the issue; when he expects the new station to be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9670/02]
The Office of Public Works has been trying to acquire a site for a Garda station in Leixlip for some time past. Kildare County Council had agreed to make a site available at Newtown House. However, an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála against the demolition of Newtown House. The appeal was upheld.
An advertisement was placed in national and local papers in October 2000 followed by a selection process from which a site adjacent to the local catholic church and the local gaelscoil was considered suitable. Negotiations on the acquisition of this site have proved problematic. While some of the difficulties that arose have been resolved, there remains the question of whether vehicular access can be made compliant with local authority standards. It seems unlikely that this issue can be resolved to our satisfaction.
A further trawl of estate agents was carried out. Another site was identified and an offer placed on it; we are presently awaiting a response. Until agreement is reached on one or other site, it is not possible to say what actions are likely to be taken.
