asked the Minister for Justice when he expects the Garda station to be opened in Ballymun satellite town, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Garda Stations.
46.
I am informed by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance that there has been an unforeseen delay in the preparation of the bills of quantity for the new station at Ballymun. They are now expected to be ready next month and it is likely that tenders will be invited by the end of November.
I am not yet in a position to say when the work will be completed.
47.
asked the Minister for Justice whether in view of the serious concern felt in the matter he could assure the people of Chapelizod that a Garda barracks will remain in the village.
The commissioner informs me that it will not be necessary to maintain a Garda station at Chapelizod when the new station at Ballyfermot is opened next year. The new station will be within 1¼ miles of the old station and I can assure the Deputy that there will be no loss of police efficiency in the Chapelizod area.
I think it would be unwise to conclude that there would be no loss of efficiency. Straight away, the people in the area will miss the Garda station. Is the Minister aware that the only other station on the perimeter of Phoenix Park has been closed? The station at Chapelizod is, therefore, unique in the city of Dublin. Perhaps the Minister will re-examine it.
The new station at Ballyfermot is only a little more than a mile from Chapelizod and the commissioner is satisfied that a full service can be given from Ballyfermot. Furthermore, I understand the Chapelizod station is not in very good condition and is not regarded as suitable for retention.
Is the Minister aware that it is not intended to retain this station because it may be demolished for private development?
It is a matter for the Board of Works to dispose of the property.