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

No, I was not. Some members of the media might accuse me of cronyism if I did not declare that we owned the property next door to the Garda Station. That being said, there is a dire need for investment in the property concerned. I have discussed this issue with the Minister of State in the Office of Public Works. As I said earlier, we need to examine new ways of approaching this issue. I am aware that the OPW is responsible for the maintenance of Garda stations and for other projects up to a certain level. After that, such matters are for appraisal by the Garda housing unit.

The fact the OPW owns and manages Garda stations and that the Department of Justice and Equality in the context of its role with the Garda authorities also has some responsibility in this area makes unclear the procedures that need to be followed to get stations off the ground in the first instance. Is it adequate that there would be only one shower and one toilet for the number of personnel I cited earlier? No, it is not. Is it appropriate that prisoners are being brought from court in Newcastle West into an inadequate holding environment? No, it is not. Is it appropriate that they are being brought through the public foyer where people are waiting to have passport forms signed? No, it is not.

I would be delighted if the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, would take the opportunity during any future visit to Limerick to visit Newcastle West, which is an amalgam of two districts. At the time of the proposed amalgamation a commitment was given that the station would be refurbished to accommodate the additional gardaí but that has not happened.

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