Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
60. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a divisional Garda headquarters in County Meath will be provided in collaboration with the management of An Garda Síochána in view of a request by the chief superintendent in County Meath for same. [29456/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, 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 responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
Significant efforts are being made by the Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and major investment has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises.
The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5 year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, that will benefit over thirty locations around the country and includes over €60million of Exchequer funding as part of Government’s Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 as well as a major Public Private Partnership project. This is in addition to the provision of over €100 million for delivery of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters in Wexford, Galway and Kevin Street, Dublin.
The Building and Refurbishment Programme is providing new stations and modernising older stations at key locations around the country, ensuring safe, modern working environment for members and staff of An Garda Síochána as well as fit-for-purpose facilities for visitors, victims and suspects.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Divisional Headquarters for the Meath Division is based in Navan. The programme does not include the development of a new Divisional Headquarters in County Meath. However provision is made under the programme for significant works at the existing Divisional Headquarters, namely the complete demolition of the existing cell block as well as the construction of a new cell block and overhead office accommodation at Navan Garda Station. I am informed that An Garda Síochána is actively engaged with the OPW to progress these works.
