Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue with me. However, as I have said to her previously, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the Garda estate. The Deputy will be aware the Office of Public Works has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works on Garda accommodation are progressed by Garda authorities, working in close co-operation with the OPW. The determination of the need for the development of a new Garda station in any location is considered by the Garda Commissioner in the context of the overall accommodation requirements arising from the ongoing expansion of the Garda workforce and the availability of capital funding, as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

My understanding is one of the key recommendations of the commission was the introduction of a new Garda operating model, which was announced by the Commissioner in 2019. As part of this reform, I am informed, the Commissioner decided not to progress a new build for Sligo Garda station, taking account of a range of factors, the most pertinent of which from the Commissioner's perspective,was the decision to create a new three-county division, namely, Donegal-Sligo-Leitrim, the divisional headquarters of which will be in Letterkenny. I understand An Garda Síochána has invested, and continues to invest, significant funding in refurbishing the current Garda station in Sligo and that further upgrade works are currently under way, including the provision of a new cell block to allow for additional capacity and improved custody management facilities. I also understand and am informed the planned works include accommodation for the scenes of crime unit.

It is important to note this is not a decision made due to finance or a lack of resources from Government. This is an operational decision taken by the Garda Commissioner in his capacity as Accounting Officer and as the person responsible by law for the allocation of Garda resources.

The decision was taken in the context of the significant reorganisation of Garda resources that underpins the new Garda Síochána operating model. That is the decision the Garda Commissioner has taken. I understand refurbishment has been carried out and there are further significant upgrades to be carried out to what is, I agree, a very old building. That work will continue and I will provide the Deputy and her Oireachtas colleagues with further timelines on that upgrade. That is the current position.

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