Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2013 in County Limerick there was an amalgamation of two district divisions, Newcastle West and Askeaton, creating a bigger division that includes Pallaskenry, Foynes, Abbeyfeale, Athea, Glin, Rathkeale, Croom, Ballingarry, Adare, Newcastle West itself and Dromcollogher. It is part of the new regional divisions. In 2014 there was a preliminary design sign-off on the refurbishment of Newcastle West Garda station and it was welcomed that in 2015 it was to be part of the capital plan for 2016 to 2021. The station requires refurbishment as it was built in a time when fewer people used it. More people will use it now because of the amalgamation. Refurbishment is also required to meet the needs of modern policing and customer service for people who use the station, particularly with regard to concerns about privacy and dignity.

I have put down a number of parliamentary questions on this matter trying to get some sort of start date or estimate of when the refurbishment will be completed. In May I received replies from my parliamentary questions indicating a design team was being appointed in order to further advance the project. I took that in good faith. I was told construction work would take 18 months and in a reply to a written question in July, I was told the Office of Public Works architectural and quantity surveying services have been assigned to advance the procurement and appointment of other design team members and progress the full design of the project. Following the necessary planning and tender procurement processes, it is envisaged the construction works will take approximately 18 months. In those questions I sought timelines and a breakdown of how designers would be appointed, the tendering process, the completion of the tendering process and the move to the construction phase. I also asked when the envisaged construction phase will start, as we can assume an approximate duration of 18 months for the refurbishment.

I have nothing but the highest respect and regard for the Garda in County Limerick and how they conduct its duties. I have interacted with many of them over the years and I know gardaí have had to work in challenging times. I welcome the fact that the previous Government re-opened the Templemore training college in 2014 and we are now starting to see gardaí come back on stream from a recruitment process. The facility at Newcastle West needs upgrading as soon as possible, given the divisional changes that have taken place and the restrictions it currently has for the public and staff who use it. It is imperative we get these timelines.

I understand the Minister might be constrained in giving a specific start date but could we be given some sort of scheme of work or timeline for the design process? When will designers be appointed and how long will be the design and tender processes? Could the processes take place simultaneously? Could a start date be deduced from these?

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