Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004
302 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of plans to close Fitzgibbon Street Garda station, Dublin 1, for short-term refurbishment of the station or for any long-term reason; if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns in the local community at the prospect of its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20831/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated previously to the House, the Office of Public Works identified health and safety issues in Fitzgibbon Street Garda station which require it to be vacated. The Office of Public Works has not yet succeeded in providing any suitable alternative accommodation to facilitate the carrying out of refurbishment works at the station. I understand, however, that the health and safety issues identified continue to be monitored by the Office of Public Works on a regular basis.
The optimum use of Garda stations was considered as part of the major review of the Garda organisation structures under the strategic management initiative programme of modernisation which looked in detail at a range of areas within the organisation. The final report of the Garda SMI implementation group, which is available on my Department's website, does not refer to the closure of any specific Garda station, but rather makes recommendations to assist policy-making with regard to the management and use of all available resources, including Garda stations.
