Seán Fleming
Ceist:113. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2496/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 20 January 2016
Ceisteanna (113)
Freagraí scríofa
The re-development of the Divisional Headquarters at Portlaoise is included in the Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 which I announced in October with my colleague the Minister of State at the OPW. The Programme is based on agreed priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána and is being progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW, which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. In addition to Portlaoise, over thirty locations around the country will benefit from the Programme which includes major refurbishment of stations/facilities including facilities for meeting victims of crime; essential remedial works to existing stations; development of large scale property and exhibit management stores and the upgrade of cells and provision of improved custody management facilities.
In relation to the status of the Portlaoise project, I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the Department of Defence has informed An Garda Síochána that two parcels of land which are the property of the Reserve Defence Forces, adjacent to the Garda Station (at the side and rear), are available for use by An Garda Síochána to facilitate the expansion of the Garda station. A Brief of Requirements for the re-development of Portlaoise Garda Station has been furnished to the OPW and the next step is the appointment of a design team to develop sketch scheme proposals for the consideration and approval of local management so that the re-development of Portlaoise Garda station may proceed on a phased basis.