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Garda Stations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Ceisteanna (194, 195, 196, 197)

Damien English

Ceist:

260 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance the stage the transforming state assets initiative is at with regard to the pilot scheme to replace the existing Garda accommodation at the eight chosen sites in Tipperary and Limerick; the timescale to complete the pilot scheme; if a feasibility study is underway to extend the scheme nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27095/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Damien English

Ceist:

261 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance if, in relation to the transforming state assets initiative with regard to Garda stations, he intends to give first option to local authorities to allow them to acquire the central sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27096/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Damien English

Ceist:

273 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance the stage the transforming state assets initiative is at with regard to the pilot scheme for Garda stations; the timescale to complete the pilot scheme; if a feasibility study is underway to extend the scheme nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27139/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Damien English

Ceist:

274 Mr. English asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to give first option to local authorities to allow them to acquire the centrally located sites with regard to the transforming state assets initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27140/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 261, 273 and 274 together.

A pilot equity exchange programme was developed to test the feasibility of exchanging clusters of small Garda stations which cannot be viably maintained on an ongoing basis in return for new modern facilities. The aim was to speed up the process of providing new modern facilities for the Garda Síochána and to do so as economically as possible from the viewpoint of the State. If the pilot proved successful, consideration would be given to extending it nationwide.

A firm of consultants was selected to manage the pilot programme. However, following an advertising campaign in the national press, the level of interest expressed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme. Accordingly, the consultants advised against the award of a contract to complete the pilot programme. In the pilot programme, proposals were invited from any interested party. No proposals were received from any local authority. The Commissioners of Public Works are considering how best to progress matters in the future.

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