Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I am responding to this matter on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Alan Shatter, who has asked me to convey to the Deputy that owing to a prior engagement he is unable to be here and to thank him for raising this topic.

The Deputy will be aware that the provision of new Garda stations and Garda accommodation generally, including all site purchases and new buildings and the examination of potential sites for the location of Garda stations, comes under the remit of the Office of Public Works. While An Garda Síochána establishes its own accommodation priorities around the country, these priorities are progressed in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for capital expenditure on Garda accommodation. The relevant expenditure is met from the Office of Public Works Vote.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Deputy Shatter, has been advised by the Garda authorities that the Office of Public Works previously examined a number of options for Clonmel Garda station, including the provision of a new district headquarters. This was the subject of an examination by the Office of Public Works with a view to securing a new site but none of the locations examined was deemed suitable for Garda requirements. However, more recently, a potential site for the location of a new Garda district headquarters has emerged within the former Kickham Army barracks. As the Deputy will be aware, this barracks is no longer operational and is not being retained for military requirements. In that context, the Garda authorities, in conjunction with their colleagues in the Office of Public Works, are examining potential proposals on the development of a new district headquarters. On completion of this process, the relevant parties will work together to explore and develop possible options to further progress this matter.

The Minister has also been informed by the Garda authorities that the provision of new accommodation in Clonmel is a project to which they attach a high priority. However, the Deputy will be aware that, arising from the current economic difficulties, the capital budget for Office of Public Works has been reduced for 2012 and subsequent years. The Garda authorities have confirmed that this matter will be kept under ongoing review.

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