Office of Public Works

Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Questions (301)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

301. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 5 March 2024, if he will accept that the response is misleading, given An Garda Síochána has informed this Deputy that there is no request with it for a business case in relation to the force's long-term requirements in the area; the up-to-date position in relation to acquiring a site for a Garda station in the Castletroy-Annacotty area of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12892/24]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

I am happy to clarify the position for the Deputy. A Business Case is required to comply with the provisions of Public Spending Code where it is considered that the acquisition of a property is required. It is the responsibility of the Sponsoring Agency, in this case An Garda Síochána, to prepare this Business Case. An Garda Síochána are preparing an initial Business Case for nine sites, including Castletroy, throughout the country and the Office of Public Works have been engaging with them in this regard over the last number of months.

As stated in my previous response the OPW will seek a suitable site for a new Garda Station in the Castletroy/ Annacotty area of Limerick when the Business Case process is complete and the long term requirements of An Garda Síochána in the area are confirmed.