Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide a progress report on the refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station, Dublin 1; when the timeline for the completion of the project will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32270/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Budget 2021, the government has allocated an Garda Síochána over €1.9 billion in funding. Investment in an Garda Síochána has been increased by €400m since 2016. The Garda budget for 2021 includes an increased capital expenditure provision. €34 million has been allocated to the Capital Building and Refurbishment Programme.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána and I, as Minister, have no role in such matters. This includes responsibility for the formulation of proposals in relation to the opening and closing of Garda stations, taking into account crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. This includes the refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station.
Further, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities, however, that €6 million has been allocated to this project in 2020. Further, I am advised, that the OPW expects full refurbishment of the station to be complete by mid-March 2021, when the building will be handed over to An Garda Síochána for IT and furniture fit outs. These fit outs are expected to take some weeks to complete. The matter of a date for reopening the station is an operational one for the Commissioner and will be subject to public health restrictions at the time. It is envisaged currently, however, that the station will reopen in mid 2021.
