Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
293. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the reopening of Rush Garda station which was announced in 2016; the date it will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17960/18]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.
The Garda Commissioner's final report, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Rush Garda Station be reopened, along with stations in Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements was provided to the OPW in relation to the reopening of these 6 stations, including Rush Garda Station, and that the Garda authorities in that regard requested the OPW to undertake technical surveys to determine the works which would be required to enable the stations to reopen and the costings of any such works.
I am further informed that the OPW has this week written to the Commissioner outlining the works and estimated cost involved.
I understand that at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeframe for reopening the stations concerned, which is dependent on a number of factors.
