Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

171 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the Garda priority building programme; the towns involved; the population to be covered; the reason for priority status; the cost associated with each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25313/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

In order to ensure that progress is maintained in providing proper and adequate accommodation for the Garda Síochána, the building and major refurbishment of Garda stations is undertaken in conformity with priorities agreed following consultation with the Garda authorities, the Garda staff associations, and the Office of Public Works.

It should be noted, however, that works are not always undertaken in order of agreed priority because, for instance, the commencement of a project may first be dependent on the successful acquisition of a suitable site for the proposed development, and this militates against the compilation of any definitive list. It is also the case that priorities are subject to review and change.

There are over 700 Garda properties across the country, in addition to complexes such as the training college in Templemore and Garda headquarters in Dublin. Each year the many projects undertaken by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Garda Síochána range from the small and comparatively inexpensive to the bigger and more expensive capital projects involving, in some instances, large new stations.

Accordingly, the Deputy will appreciate that the population covered in any one case can vary according to the location and size of the project being undertaken. Similarly, the capital costs involved which are borne by the Office of Public Works, can vary from project to project.