Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
323. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the commitment to identify a new site and construct a new Garda station for Carndonagh and rural areas of north Inishowen, County Donegal; and if a Garda presence will remain in Carndonagh during construction phase at a location, such as the public service centre of Donegal County Council, which has been utilised by An Garda Síochána in the past. [12131/20]
View answerThe Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources. Further, 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 overall purpose of the ongoing Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 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 programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and includes substantial works at over 30 locations nationwide as well as other works such as cell refurbishment at over 100 locations.
The programme, which is based on Garda priorities, does not include the development of a new Garda station in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. The programme does include the refurbishment and extension of Donegal Town Garda Station and I understand that this project is currently underway.
In terms of the period after conclusion of the current Building and Refurbishment Programme, I would recall that the determination of the need for a new Garda station at Carndonagh or any other location is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and not for me as Minister. I understand that the overall accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána for the next general programme will be considered by Garda management in the context of the overall accommodation needs of the service arising from the ongoing increase in the Garda workforce, the new Garda Operating Model introduced last year, and bearing in mind the implementation plan for the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, "A Policing Service for the Future".
Other than the provision of new stations and major works under the current or future Building and Refurbishment Programmes, I understand that Gardaí and the OPW attempt to deal with minor maintenance or related issues across the Garda estate, as they arise. This is a significant undertaking, given that there are over 560 stations nationwide. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána continues to engage with the OPW on the provision of minor enhancement works to the Garda station at Carndonagh.
