Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:176. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the budgeted cost for small capital works to Garda stations in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39025/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 November 2020
Ceisteanna (176)
Freagraí scríofa
I have requested information from the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter and I will write to the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.SUBSTANTIVE ANSWER: I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 176 which was for answer on 25 November 2020, where you requested the budgeted cost for small capital works to Garda stations in 2020.
As you may recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand.
The requested information has now been provided by An Garda Síochána and accordingly, please note the following.
As you will appreciate the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are progressed by the OPW working in close cooperation with the Garda authorities and I have no direct role in this matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Small Capital Works budget in 2020 is €2.642M. This funds elective works carried out in Garda Stations and other Garda Buildings. Small capital works include all elective works carried out to the Garda Estate. These works are sanctioned on a daily basis and include jobs ranging from the provision of extra power and data to the upgrade or improvement of an existing facility necessitated by change in use or need.
It should be noted that the funding for capital and maintenance work would also be provided in the OPW Vote for the maintenance of the Garda estate.
The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2021 of €1.952 billion.
Significant investment is also being made in the Garda estate. The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, which continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. The goal of this investment is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff, as well as the public interacting with them.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 168.