Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much regret if Deputy McLoughlin is disappointed with the answers which I have endeavoured to give him. I assure him of the help and assistance of the Department of Justice and Equality and my office, and of my own interest in this issue. The issue, as I see it, is the acquisition of a local site in Sligo. Perhaps the local Deputy could assist and use his good offices to assist in the provision of a local site for a Garda station. I assure him that the Government will provide the appropriate resources for the construction of the Garda station. Again, I assure the Deputy and the House that the OPW and local Garda management continue to work closely to improve the accommodation in the existing station in Sligo, which I acknowledge is inadequate. In the circumstances, it is not fit for purpose. Actions of a short-term and interim nature are proceeding. These actions have been taken to address the issue and to improve the accommodation in Sligo.

I reassure the House that the Government remains fully committed to proceeding with a major investment programme which aims to provide a number of new state-of-the-art Garda stations in conjunction with a number of new courthouses. I had the pleasure and privilege of opening one such courthouse yesterday. I assure Deputy McLoughlin that it is a priority of this Government to modernise older stations at key locations, including Sligo, to ensure the provision of a safe modern working environment for gardaí as well as fit-for-purpose facilities for all who use them. I have an obligation to ensure the provision of these things. I ask the Deputy to keep in contact with me on this matter.

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