Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 November 2014
78. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a comprehensive update in relation to the provision of a new Garda station in Athlone, County Westmeath, in view of the fact that the site has been identified and purchased for this. [42417/14]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) advances the provision of facilities for An Garda Síochána in line with the requirements identified by An Garda Síochána in its list of Building Programme Priorities. The project will involve a complete upgrade and refurbishment of the existing Garda Station and the adjacent former Government Offices, both of which are currently occupied by An Garda Síochána as is another property on the site. As part of the development, a link building will be constructed between the existing Garda Station and the former Government Offices.
This is a significant capital project upon which work on planning / design has already been undertaken by the OPW, based on a brief of accommodation provided by An Garda Síochána. It is estimated that construction works would take up to two years. The project will proceed subject to prioritisation and the availability of funding.
