It is now accepted by the Department of Justice, the Office of Public Works and the Garda authorities that major renovation works must be carried out on Listowel Garda station in County Kerry. It is an extremely busy station with a total of 27 staff including 18 gardaí, two sergeants, three detectives, a superintendent, a district clerk and two female clerical assistants. It is proposed to refurbish the existing building and to incorporate the adjacent married quarters, thereby providing much needed additional accommodation brought up to a standard which is in keeping with a modern district headquarters.
The barracks requires a new roof as a matter of urgency. Slates are often blown from the roof during high winds. These flying slates are a danger to both the public and the staff of the station. There is also an urgent need to replace the existing windows, to provide an interview room, a medical room, recreation room, locker room and proper showering facilities.
There are no ramps either at the front or back of the building to allow easier access to the station for the disabled. There are four steps, each nine inches in height at the front entrance to the station. This makes it impossible for a wheelchair to gain access to the building.
There is need also for a new cell block. The present two cells are inadequate. Listowel is the only station with cells in a district which includes nine stations. At times of major events, such as Listowel races, the cells are not adequate to meet the increased demand.
There is a need also to upgrade fire safety standards, instal heating, carry out electrical rewiring and internal and external decoration.
I understand the project is in the planning stage and that the Office of Public Works is currently drawing up plans for the proposed renovations. I appeal to the Minister to ensure that this process is completed as soon as possible so that a contract can be placed in 1994.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the dedicated members of the Garda Síochána in Listowel. This is reflected in the very low crime rate in the Listowel district. The Garda have close contact with the local community and many of the members are actively involved in local community organisations. They deserve a proper comfortable working environment.
I would remind the Minister that this barracks occupies the site of the original Royal Irish Constabulary barracks that was burned down in the early part of the twenties during the War of Independence. The Minister may have heard of the famous Listowel Mutiny when RIC members at the barracks refused to obey orders from Dublin Castle or become involved in the murdering campaign of the Auxiliaries and the Black and Tans. They gave up their commissionerships and their rank because of that. I hope the present staff will not have to stage a walkout or any type of protest in order to get their building renovated and that the Minister will do his best for them.
