Sorca Clarke
Ceist:603. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the reason the immigration office in County Longford closed; and when it is due to reopen. [34784/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 10 November 2020
Ceisteanna (603)
Freagraí scríofa
The management and administration of the Registration Office in Co. Longford is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have made enquiries with the Commissioner and have received the following update.
Approximately 5,500 appointments were made for immigration registration purposes, in the Roscommon-Longford Division in 2019, resulting in 2,363 registrations.
Registrations are currently being processed in Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford, N39 E4EO, which shares accommodation with the General Registration Office and Social Welfare Offices. The facility is bespoke for the delivery of over the counter Government services. The service is easily accessible by public transport and operates regularised and longer opening times.
This office provides a safe environment for service users, which incorporates all of the COVD-19 pandemic guidelines. An Garda Síochána are currently unable to provide this service in their current accommodation in Longford, due to the large scale construction that is ongoing at the site. Appointment times are issued for full traceability.
The approach allows for the continuation of registrations during this time. All services delivered by An Garda Síochána during the current COVID-19 pandemic are constantly reviewed to ensure that they provide excellence in service delivery.