Vol. 417 No. 1
146 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the number of Garda stations in the Cork West division considered in need of repair and if he will give details of same; and if he will further outline the plans, estimated cost and proposed time-frame for repair, refurbishment and replacement.
The current Garda building programme was launched seven years ago to tackle the serious accommodation crisis which existed in many Garda stations. The programme, which is based on priorities agreed following consultation with the Garda representative associations, has seen the replacement of eight divisional headquarters stations, 13 district headquarters stations, 30 smaller stations and the provision of four major extensions.
In so far as the Cork West Garda division is concerned, new station buildings have been provided in recent years as follows: Bandon, Ballinhassig and Ballingeary. I might also mention that renovation works totalling some £43,000 were carried out at 17 stations in the division in 1991 and to date in 1992. Other works authorised to date this year are replacement of windows and soffit in Stuake station, replacement of the roof in Dunmanway station, new ceilings for Kanturk station and painting and decoration of Knocknagree station. Further improvements to Garda accommodation in the Cork West division will be provided over the coming years in the light of overall priorities and available finance.
