Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 3

Adjournment Debate. - Garda Stations.

Mrs. T. Ahearn

A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I thank you for allowing me to raise the unsatisfactory conditions in Clonmel Garda station. I am seeking nothing more than the public entitlement. Clonmel is the biggest inland town in the State, yet the Garda station is totally unsuitable and inadequate for the enormous amount of work carried out there. It should be borne in mind that the structure is sound but the layout and overall facilities of the building are inadequate. The main reception area is small and dreary, overcrowded when three or more people are present. There is no sense of privacy, something to which everyone is entitled. Staff have to work in offices which to all intents and purposes are boxes, one leading from the other. There is absolutely no logical sequence to the series of box offices and stairs and this prevents the workforce from carrying out their work in the way they would like.

The cost of necessary renovations would not be exorbitant but the value of any such investment would be enormous. It is unfair to expect the Garda and the staff to continue to work in these conditions. They deserve to be complimented for their patience and endurance in maintaining their work to the highest standards while working in an unsatisfactory environment. I understand that new computer equipment is due to be installed in Clonmel Garda station but the question is where to put it. I ask the Minister to show due acknowledgement of the Garda's work by providing the finance to carry out the necessary renovations of Clonmel Garda station.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Miss M. Wallace)

I thank Deputy Ahearn for raising this important matter. The district headquarters at Clonmel was examined in 1994 and it was decided that the building is large enough to house all of the facilities necessary at this location. A maintenance programme was put in place and a number of maintenance issues have been addressed since then.

In 1994 the canteen facility was relocated and upgraded and the entire building was externally painted. In 1996 the cell block was upgraded bringing it up to a proper standard and some additional external painting was undertaken. Electrical work was undertaken to upgrade the light fittings. In 1997 further electrical work was undertaken to replace light fittings and the inside of the building was painted. Last year more than £16,000 was spent on upgrading the fire alarm system and emergency lighting. In total, more than £50,000 has been spent in the past four years on maintenance issues.

It is planned to convert the top floor to provide in-service training facilities. I understand the Garda housing officer has no requests in hand for specific maintenance work. He has, however, undertaken to visit the station in the week commencing 15 February when he will inspect the building and report on further issues that need to be addressed. The points raised by the Deputy will be taken into consideration.

Much work has been done in recent years in improving standards of accommodation at Garda stations. It is a largescale operation. The pro gramme of improvements has a high priority with the Minister and the Government. Last year more than £7 million was expended on maintenance. A further £7 million was expended on capital projects. This year more than £10 million has been allocated between new building and maintenance works. There are 704 Garda stations as well as married quarters, large complexes such as Templemore and Garda headquarters and a variety of smaller units. Many of the buildings occupied are old RIC and DMP stations designed for a different era.

Much work has been done in recent years to improve the situation. Members will be aware of examples of improvements to Garda stations and new stations built in recent years. When the Garda housing officer completes his report following his visit to Clonmel the issues identified will be addressed in line with overall priorities and the availability of finance.

The Dáil adjourned at 5.25 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 16 February 1999.