Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the development of a substantial new Garda station and facilities on Dublin City Council lands at the corner of the R139 and the Malahide Road at Northern Cross is considered a strategic priority project by An Garda Síochána. The Office of Public Works, OPW, is engaged in ongoing positive interaction with the council, in consultation with An Garda Síochána, on the development of the site at Northern Cross. I am advised that the OPW has undertaken a high-level impact study of the site and a detailed brief of requirements is being developed by An Garda Síochána.

Under the national development plan, NDP, the Government is committed to investing significant levels of capital funding into An Garda Síochána to deliver a Garda station modernisation and refurbishment programme, provide for strategic ICT and digitalisation projects and deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose Garda fleet. This is a core part of the Government's plan to build stronger, safer communities. As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the Garda estate. This is something on which I engage with the Commissioner and his team on a regular basis.

I assure the Deputy that the Government is absolutely committed to ensuring the Garda has the resources and facilities it needs to tackle crime and keep us safe. Going back to the previous point, if we are to encourage the recruitment of more gardaí and retain the gardaí we have, they must have the resources they need, including spaces to work, equipment and technology. As criminals becomes more advanced in the tools they use, the Garda needs to have the equipment to deal with them, whether that be body-worn cameras, facial recognition technology, new hand-held devices, the right types of cars or other means of dealing with crime, whether on foot or on bike. There is an absolute priority to invest in these types of projects.

The Northern Cross project, involving the development of a substantial Garda station in the location, is a priority for the Garda Commissioner, his team and the Government. I cannot give specific, detailed timings as to how the project will progress but I know it is at an advanced stage of planning between the OPW and the Garda.

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