Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
78. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her progress in refurbishing Fitzgibbon Street Garda Síochána station in Dublin 1; her plans to reopen the station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16328/16]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, who have the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, following the advice of the Office of Public Works regarding the condition of the station, it was deemed necessary to vacate Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station on a temporary basis to facilitate refurbishment works. The Office of Public Works subsequently refurbished the former Prison Officers Quarters at Mountjoy Prison and the adjacent Mountjoy Garda Station so that Gardaí attached to both Mountjoy and Fitzgibbon Street could operate efficiently and effectively on a temporary basis from this location. In addition, a building adjacent to Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station was identified as suitable for a Garda Office and following some refurbishment now operates as a temporary public office to provide for an ongoing Garda presence in Fitzgibbon Street.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that it is the intention of An Garda Síochána to locate a District Headquarters Station at Fitzgibbon Street. This matter will be progressed by An Garda Síochána, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, in the context of the national accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána and the level of capital funding available.
