Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this issue which is topical in the context of the reforms which the Minister for Justice and Equality is seeking to introduce in the structure and management of An Garda Síochána. I believe the rank and file members of An Garda Síochána do exemplary work.

I raise this issue on the basis of the many changes introduced by way of the amalgamation of districts. In my county, the districts of Askeaton and Newcastle West have been amalgamated into an area which geographically is larger than County Monaghan. The Minister will be aware that the Newcastle West district stretches from the town of Bruff to Tarbert and from Charleville to Mountcollins which, geographically, is a very large area. The situation in many other districts is no different.

I would like in raising this issue to start a conversation in relation to the manner in which Garda stations are selected for refurbishment and extension and in regard to the construction of new Garda stations. For example, the manner in which school building projects are prioritised could be considered in this context. The school building unit of the Department of Education and Skills prioritises projects based on need. In many cases, projects are achieved by way of public private partnership and other models rather than in the conventional way.

In Newcastle West Garda station, which was constructed in the 1970s and has never been extended, except by way of a prefab gifted to the town following the visit of former US President, George W. Bush, to Dromoland Castle, there are 66 gardaí, 11 sergeants, one inspector, one superintendent and ten civilians. As a result of a lack of investment in this station for more than 30 years the building is no longer fit for purpose, with prisoners often congregating in the same area as civilians and civilian staff, thus making the work of the gardaí in that station very difficult. Lest any of my friends in the fourth estate would say I have a vested interest in this, I should declare that I live next-door to Newcastle West Garda station and that when a young child I was responsible for breaking a window in that station. I suppose that constitutes a vested interest.

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