Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
816. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average operational cost of a Garda station that is opened on a 24-hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33222/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána including primary responsibility for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works (OPW). As Minister, I have no direct role in these matter.
The operational costs of Garda stations are dependent on factors including in particular the scale and condition of the station as well as functions conducted therein. It should be recalled that Garda stations range from small Garda Stations, designed for public interaction and suitable for a small number of staff up to large, complex facilities designed to accommodate up to 300 people and a wide variety of operational functions.
Indeed running costs associated with Garda stations vary even at the level below District and Divisional Headquarters. These costs, including for example electricity, fuel, maintenance, repair and upgrade costs, are dependent on the size, usage, age and complexity of each station.
In the circumstances, I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to determine a cost that would accurately represent the average running cost of an unspecified Garda station given their widely differing sizes, the variety of functions conducted in each type of station, the number of personnel attached to stations and the cost of services provided.
