Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1606. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she will outline the progress to date in re-opening Bawnboy Garda Station, County Cavan which was announced by the Garda Commissioner in November 2017 and subsequently confirmed by the Minister for Justice; if she will outline the timeline for this re-opening and if she will ensure that any further undue delays do not occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41303/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, which includes all operational policing decisions regarding the Garda estate. This includes the opening of any individual Garda station.
As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to seek to direct the Commissioner in such matters.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages the maintenance and provision of Garda accommodation in close co-operation with the Garda authorities. Capital works on the Garda Estate are subject to the usual Public Sector procurement and budgetary processes.
The 2016 Programme for Government contained a commitment to reopen six Garda Stations on a pilot basis. Six Garda stations were identified, four of which have been reopened to date: Rush Garda Station, Co. Dublin, Stepaside Garda Station, Co. Dublin, Donard Garda Station, Co. Wicklow, and Ballinspittle Garda Station, Co. Cork.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the reopening of the two remaining stations of Bawnboy Garda Station, Co. Cavan, and Leighlinbridge Garda Station, Co. Carlow have not been advanced as yet and is being considered in the overall context of the Garda capital programme.
