Robert Troy
Question:250. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application by a person (details supplied) for additional space in Mullingar Garda station will be approved. [32079/18]
View answerThursday, 12 July 2018
Questions (250)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW). As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. Considerable 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 Síochána 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. It includes over €60 million 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 the development of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Wexford, Galway and Dublin (Kevin Street).
The provision of additional accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station is included in the Building and Refurbishment Programme.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as an initial measure to improve the accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station, a new facility was in 2017 provided for the Divisional Scenes of Crime Office comprising office facilities, an examination room and suitable storage facilities.
I am further informed that, on the basis of detailed discussions between the OPW and An Garda Síochána, the OPW is currently developing proposals to address outstanding accommodation issues at the station, as identified by the Divisional Officer.