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

One of the things I did last year was to work with the Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works so that we could identify the priority Garda stations around the country that needed investment and refurbishment. We have a very clear plan and timetable in place for that and a very detailed capital investment programme because there are many Garda stations throughout the country where the standards are not good enough, that need to be refurbished and extended. We need the property and the stores where evidence can be stored properly until it is needed for a court case. That capital programme was due for review next year. I hope it can be done early next year.

I will bear in mind what the Deputy says about Kilkenny because we will review the needs of different areas in respect of capital investment. People talk about closed Garda stations but it is important to recognise that there is a significant programme of capital investment in Garda stations. There are three new headquarters being built and there is a new headquarters in Sligo.

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