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Garda Resources

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Ceisteanna (247)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

247. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the capital investment being made in Garda resources in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53591/18]

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Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. This represents an increase of over 6% over the initial allocation for 2018.

Very significant capital investment is also being made in An Garda Síochána, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable; investment of €46 million in the Garda Fleet over the same period; as well as considerable capital investment in addressing the deficiencies in the Garda estate. €60 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 in addition 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 entered into operational use in 2017 and 2018 .

This significant current and capital investment in An Garda Síochána is in support of the Government’s commitment to ensure a strong and visible police presence throughout the country, to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources across all Divisions, including Cavan/Monaghan and Meath Divisions, is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of the availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters. However I am informed by the Garda authorities that the distribution of resources is kept under continual review to ensure their optimum use.

Regarding the Garda estate, I would first note that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Accordingly, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the OPW.

I am informed by the Garda authorities capital investment in the Garda estate in the Cavan/Monaghan Division includes the following: A new Garda station will be provided in Bailieborough, County Cavan in the context of the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021. I am informed that the relevant planning application was lodged in August 2018 and that the OPW is currently examining the submissions received. It is not possible to give a definitive date for completion of the construction of the new station.

I am informed that in advance of that new development, essential works at the existing Garda station in Bailieborough were completed in 2016, involving enhancements to the public office and safety improvements throughout the building.

In addition, Bawnboy, County Cavan is one of the 6 former Garda stations included in the pilot re-opening project. That project arises from a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to reopen 6 Garda stations to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order. I am informed that the OPW and An Garda Síochána are continuing to engage in relation to the works required to permit reopening of Bawnboy station. I am informed that implementation of the programme and reopening of all 6 stations is being pursued as a priority and the OPW expects works should be completed in each case in 2019.

With regard to Meath Division, provision is made in the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 for construction of an extension to Navan Garda Station. The proposed works consist of demolishing the existing cell block and erection of a two storey extension comprising a new cell block on the ground floor and additional offices overhead. I am informed that the Part 9 Planning notices in this respect have been issued.

In addition, Kells Garda Station has been provisionally identified for inclusion in the National Cell Refurbishment Programme in 2020. Initial design proposals are now being prepared.

More generally, I am informed that An Garda Síochána seeks to address minor maintenance issues and refurbishment works across all Divisions as they arise, liaising closely with the OPW and having regard to overall Garda accommodation priorities.

Finally, I am advised by the Garda authorities that as of 14 December 2018 the strength of the Garda fleet in the Cavan/Monaghan Division is 56 vehicles and the strength of the Garda fleet in Meath Division is 58 vehicles.

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