Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2019
140. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost if the budget of An Garda Síochána for small capital works to Garda stations increased by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/19]
View answerThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Significant capital investment is also being made, including €342 million being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021; and €46 million in the Garda Fleet over the same period.
Significant investment is also being made in the Garda estate. The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, which continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. In addition to that programme, other major works to the Garda estate which are ongoing include the pilot Garda station reopening project, the development of a new facility at Military Road and the major refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street station. The goal of this investment is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff, as well as the public interacting with them.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the OPW working in close cooperation with the Garda authorities. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The amount allocated to the Garda Vote for maintenance and small capital works in 2019 is €642,000. Accordingly, I am informed by the Garda authorities that if the funding provided in the Garda vote for small capital works increased by 50%, the increase would amount to €321,000, and the total cost would be €963,000.
It should be noted, however, that funding for capital and maintenance work is provided in both the Garda and OPW votes and as has been the case in previous years, funding is also being provided in the OPW vote in 2019 for maintenance of the Garda estate.
