Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the next occasion I am in Limerick, I will visit Newcastle West to see the station, as the Deputy described it. I would like to make the point on the day when there is a very heavy critique underway in regard to many aspects of the organisation of An Garda Síochána that when I visited Limerick, one of the reports I listened to was about how it had dealt with crime in Limerick and how in 21 out of 24 murders somebody had been convicted, which is some record. In the middle of so much difficulty, it is a record of which to be very proud and one which we should acknowledge.

The Deputy made the point that where districts have amalgamated perhaps we should look, in particular, at those districts having a priority in terms of refurbishment of stations and premises. I will certainly consider that point. I intend to meet my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, to discuss what the ongoing approach should be to investment in the refurbishment of Garda stations throughout the country. As I said, I will revert to the Deputy in regard to the situation he described and on where Newcastle West is on the list.

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