Billy Timmins
Ceist:464 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to construct new Garda stations at Dunlavin and Donard, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26316/03]
Written Answers. - Garda Stations.
The position regarding Dunlavin is as set out to the Deputy in my reply dated 30 September 2003. Until a suitable site has been secured by the Office of Public Works, I am not in a position to say when a new station might be built in the town.
As regards Donard, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the planning consultation process for a new station, which is undertaken by the Office of Public Works, is in train and that it is expected that the project will be advanced in 2004.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:465 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in the greater Dublin area which require refurbishment, replacement, improved technology or other facilities; the extent of deficiency of such facilities in each case; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26326/03]
I am committed to making available the necessary funds where appropriate for the maintenance of Garda stations and equipping the force with modern technology. Responsibility for funding capital works for Garda premises is, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, a matter for the Office of Public Works.
Where Garda stations require major refurbishment or replacement, they are addressed as far as possible in order of priority, following consultation between the Garda authorities, my Department and the main representative associations.
Accommodation issues requiring a degree of maintenance or minor work arising in Garda stations in the greater Dublin area are monitored as elsewhere in the country, and addressed as necessary by the Garda housing section in the first instance, with the co-operation of my Department and the Office of Public Works.
A number of significant projects in the field of information and communications technology for An Garda Síochána have been implemented in recent years. These include the PULSE computer system and the pilot digital radio network in Garda divisions in the Dublin area.
Resources available to the Garda are continually reviewed to take account of current requirements. Funding for the Garda has increased significantly in recent years. For example, in the area of information technology systems, approximately €21 million was allocated in 2003, an increase of approximately €5 million on 2002.