Robert Troy
Question:251. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for necessary remedial works on Castlepollard Garda station will be approved. [32081/18]
View answerThursday, 12 July 2018
Questions (251)
Written answers
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, 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. 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.
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.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021 is an ambitious 5-year building programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, which will benefit some 30 locations throughout the State.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that Castlepollard Garda Station is not included in the stations to be refurbished under the Building and Refurbishment Programme.
However, in addition to the Programme, I am informed An Garda Síochána seeks where possible to address minor accommodation issues at Garda stations as they arise. In that context, I understand that An Garda Síochána is liaising with OPW in relation to the possibility of addressing certain issues at Castlepollard station, having regard to the funding available for the totality of Garda accommodation requirements.