Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are well aware of the changes that have happened, that a new Garda division has been set up and there is a new headquarters in Letterkenny. That does not change the fact the building in Sligo is not fit for purpose. That has long been the case. The Minister spoke of refurbishments being carried out. It is simply a squandering of taxpayers' money to do work continually on a building that is not fit for purpose. This kind of thing goes on in many Departments, not just the Department of Justice. The cleanest and simplest thing to do is to get a site on the edge of the town and build a proper Garda station. That is what should have happened in the very beginning and it is still not too late to do that.

While I appreciate that the Minister can say it is an issue for the Garda Commissioner, the fact of the matter is the Government has control of how much funding will be provided for the building of new Garda stations around the country. The Minister needs to provide the money to ensure that a proper Garda station is put in place to service the people of Sligo and the wider region.

See this speech in context