Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

79 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the totally inadequate premises available to the Garda Siochána in Tullamore, County Offaly; his views on the fact that these premises do not provide modern standards of accommodation for members of the force and members of the public; whether he will authorise the construction of a new Garda station in Tullamore; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17085/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

A major extension and refurbishment to the station at Tullamore has been planned for some years and the site of the old fire station was bought for this purpose. However, there are a number of projects on the Garda building programme which remain to be completed before the major work planned for Tullamore can begin. Recently some fire and safety works were completed, including the provision of an external fire escape stairs, an emergency lighting system and the provision of cabinets to enclose the fuse boards. It is not possible to say at this stage when the major work will commence on this project but the Deputy can be assured there will be no avoidable delay.