Eamon Scanlon
Question:913. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the development of the new Garda regional headquarters in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33437/19]
View answerTuesday, 23 July 2019
Questions (913)
Written answers
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation of €1.76 billion for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to €92 million this year. These resources are being provided in support of the Government's commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.
In terms of the Garda estate, the Deputy will appreciate that the Office of Public Works has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious programme based on agreed Garda priorities. It 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 ongoing works to the Garda estate 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 clear 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.
In relation to Sligo, I can inform the Deputy that the Public Private Partnership arrangement included in the Building and Refurbishment Programme is intended to deliver new stations in Sligo, Macroom and Clonmel.
The development of PPP projects is progressed under the auspices of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and the OPW has agreed to provide its expert services in the design of the three stations included in this PPP. My Department, An Garda Síochána, the OPW and the NDFA are working closely in order to progress this project.
The establishment of PPP projects can be complex and it is vital to get the projects right at the planning and design stage. I can assure the Deputy that delivery of the new Garda stations in Sligo, Clonmel and Macroom through this PPP arrangement is being pursued as a priority. Pending delivery of the new stations, I am informed that Garda management and the OPW have been working to improve conditions and facilities at the existing stations.