Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Stations.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

278 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the health centre in Fitzgibbon Street Garda station has been closed down since December 2002; the further reason that hundreds of serving and retired gardaí are being deprived of a training and health facility, which they themselves established and maintained; when it is expected to be reopened for use by the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25667/03]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the gym in Fitzgibbon Street Garda station was closed on the advice of the Office of Public Works, which had health and safety concerns with regard to, inter alia, the electrical system in the building. Moreover, I understand the Office of Public Works is currently considering the provision of an alternative, temporary gym for the station, on the basis of an agreed sketch scheme.