Robert Troy
Question:
251. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the additional accommodation for the Garda station in Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9312/19]
View answer
The 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, 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.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 251 for answer on 26 February 2019 regarding the status of the additional accommodation for the Garda Station in Mullingar, County Westmeath. As you will recall, I undertook to contact you again when I had more detail in response to your question. The 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 responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
As the Deputy will know, significant capital investment is being made in the Garda estate. I am pleased to confirm that the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, an ambitious 5-year programme to address deficiencies in the Garda estate, includes the provision of additional accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as an interim measure, new office facilities, an examination room and storage facilities were provided in 2017 for the Divisional Scenes of Crime Office within the Mullingar Garda Station.
In relation to the works at the station, I have been informed that An Garda Síochána has provided the OPW with a brief of requirements. The OPW is currently in the process of finalising a space analysis of the existing station. I understand that this will determine the most practical approach to satisfy Garda accommodation requirements in Mullingar.
The OPW and An Garda Síochána will continue to cooperate closely in the matter.
I trust that the above is of assistance.
