Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear the response from the Minister. He mentioned that the barracks has been closed for 12 months. It is on a fine urban site of almost 14 acres.

The Minister also mentioned that he is also Minister for Justice and Equality. Surely we can short-circuit the discussions that are ongoing. The Department of Defence is engaged in discussions with a number of groups. I support that. There is plenty of room to accommodate all of them. It is most vital, however, that we get suitable accommodation for the Garda station in Clonmel. The current station is in a primitive Dickensian building that is not fit for use by the Garda or the public.

I appeal to the Minister, who is also the Minister for Justice and Equality, to cut out the red tape, the jargon and the dealings with the Office of Public Works.

The site is owned by the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Defence. Surely we can submit plans and give the go ahead for the Garda barracks to be sited there. It is a great site and a Garda station is needed in Clonmel more than anywhere else in the country. It is the second biggest inland town in the State and the current barracks is Dickensian. It does not even belong to the Department; it is leased from the country council.

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