Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and the provision of the proposed new Garda station in Sligo, in which I know that the Deputy has expressed an interest for some time. The Garda station building and refurbishment programme 2016 to 2021, an ambitious five-year programme that will benefit over 30 locations throughout the country, includes an investment of over €60 million of Exchequer funding as part of the capital plan and a major public private partnership project. The new Garda station will be provided in Sligo. The OPW placed advertisements in local and national newspapers earlier this year to secure a suitable site for the Sligo development, seeking expressions of interest from property owners and developers. Returns were received in the spring. The OPW, together with Garda estate management, reviewed the proposals submitted earlier this year. A number of suitable sites have been identified as possible options for the development in Sligo. The OPW is actively progressing the acquisition of a suitable site and it is understood the aim is to reach agreement on the purchase shortly. This may not need to be said from my perspective, but, as somebody who is on the ground locally on a regular basis, the Deputy may well be in a position to assist the State authority in reaching agreement on the purchase of a suitable site. I assure him of my interest in the matter. It is important that we advance the project in Sligo having regard to the fact that funding is in place.

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