Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
22. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his position regarding the suitability of the current Garda station in Clonmel, County Tipperary as an adequate structure to facilitate the effective delivery of a modernised and fully resourced Garda barracks; his plans to respond to requests to re-situate the Garda station to Kickham Army barracks, Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19294/14]
View answerThe programme of refurbishment and replacement of Garda stations is based on accommodation priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Funding for such works is met by the Office of Public Works.
I am advised that the Office of Public Works has in place a regime of ongoing maintenance of Garda stations, including Clonmel Garda station. In that context, I am informed that refurbishment work has recently been undertaken at the station which included the upgrading of electrical systems and general refurbishment work.
I am further informed that a site within the former Kickham Army Barracks has been identified as a possible location for the development of a Garda Station and I have discussed this with Minister of State, Tom Hayes TD. The provision of a new station at Kickham Barracks is being examined by the Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána in the context of the future development of the overall site.
The Deputy will appreciate that any new District Headquarters project would involve substantial building and fit out costs. Accordingly, a new Garda station in Clonmel will have to be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation requirements and in the light of available resources within the Vote of the Office of Public Works.
