Vol. 418 No. 4
100 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda stations in the Askeaton, Newcastlewest and Bruff districts, County Limerick, which are in need of repair; if he will give details of these repairs and the plans, estimated costs and timescale for repairs, refurbishment and replacements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
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.
There are 25 Garda stations in the Askeaton, Newcastlewest and Bruff districts, County Limerick. As I stated in my reply to Question No. 82 on 4 March 1992, Official Report, volume 416, No. 7, columns 1520-1521, (i) new station buildings have been provided in recent years at Pallaskenry, Kilmallock and Foynes, (ii) renovation works totalling some £15,500 were carried out at Shanagolden, Athea, Tournafulla and Castletown stations in 1991 and (iii) the conversion of a former ESB premises in Rathkeale for use as a new Garda station is nearing completion at present. Works approved to date in 1992 are a new interview room and entrance to Newcastlewest district headquarters and an extension to Abbeyfeale station. Further improvements to Garda accommodation in the Askeaton, Newcastlewest and Bruff districts will be provided over the coming years in the light of overall priorities and available finance.
