Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2020
411. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of works on Rush Garda station; the date the station is scheduled to be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3455/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset it is important to note that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.
As the Deputy will be aware, a pilot scheme to open 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts on criminal activity, was agreed as part of the Programme for a Partnership Government in 2016.
Following consideration of the matter, the then Garda Commissioner, in a report published on my Department's website in December 2017, recommended that Rush Garda station be reopened, along with stations in Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, Donard, Co. Wicklow, and Stepaside, Co. Dublin.
The project to enable the reopening of these stations has been progressed since that time by the OPW in conjunction with the Garda authorities.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the refurbishment of Rush Garda Station has been substantially completed and that the OPW expect to be in a position to hand over the Garda Station in the coming weeks following connection to the electricity grid. After handover of the building by the OPW to An Garda Síochána, internal fit-out of the station, including ICT and furniture, will be required before the station can be reopened.
