Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:279. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for the works at Fitzgibbon Street Garda station, Dublin 1; and the possible opening date. [37247/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 September 2018
Ceisteanna (279)
Freagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that there has in recent years been very significant investment in improving the condition of the Garda estate. Over €60 of million exchequer funding underpins the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme, which is a 5-year programme based on agreed Garda priorities benefitting over 30 locations around the country. This is additional to the investment of approximately €100 million in development of 3 major new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Galway, Wexford and Kevin Street Dublin, each of which has been completed and entered into operational use.
This programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the OPW has advised that the refurbishment works at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station will be carried out in two phases.
The Garda and OPW authorities confirm that the first phase, consisting of enabling works, is commencing this month, September 2018. It is expected that these enabling works will be completed in or around April 2019. The second phase of works will commence as soon as possible after completion of the enabling works. Although at this stage a rough estimate only, it is currently anticipated that the second phase of works should take approximately 12 months to complete.
The Deputy will appreciate that, in light of the many factors involved, it is not possible at this point to give a final completion date for the works at Fitzgibbon Street station.