Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
338. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of construction works on the Garda station in Cootehill, County Cavan; his plans for investment in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/20]
View answer339. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the development of Cootehill Garda station; the number of additional personnel being assigned to the station; the areas they are coming from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2866/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.
The Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no responsibility for these matters. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.
It is also important to note that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is 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. The programme does not include significant building works at Cootehill Garda Station and I am informed by the Garda authorities that no works are ongoing or are planned for that Garda Station at this time.
As the Deputy will be aware, the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2020 of €1.88 billion. This level of funding is enabling sustained, ongoing recruitment of Garda members and staff and as a result, An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. We now have approximately 14,300 Garda members nationwide, supported by over 2,900 Garda staff and these numbers continue to grow.
Extensive information is available on my Department’s website in relation to the numbers of Garda members and their assignment nationwide at the following link:
http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Garda_Workforce. This information is updated every month with the latest data provided by An Garda Síochána.
I can confirm that An Garda Síochána has indicated that as of 29 February 2020, there were 14 Garda members assigned to Cootehill Garda station. I am further informed by An Garda Síochana that there are no plans to assign additional personnel to Cootehill Garda Station at this time.
