Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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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?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Neville for raising this important matter, and it is not the first time he raised it in the Houses. As the Deputy is aware, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities, working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters but I acknowledge the importance of this to Deputy Neville in the Limerick area. The Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that An Garda Síochána must at all times have the modern technology and other resources, including fit-for-purpose buildings necessary to do the job. I note in this regard that the capital plan for 2016 to 2021 secured resources in this regard.

The Deputy will be aware of the significant efforts being made by the Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and of the major investment that has been committed under the capital plan to upgrade Garda premises, the Garda fleet and Garda ICT infrastructure. This is evidenced by the Garda station building and refurbishment programme for 2016 to 2021, which is an ambitious five- year programme that will benefit over 30 locations around the country and includes over €60 million of Exchequer funding. It is a major public-private partnership project. The programme includes the major works in respect of replacement station at Newcastle West.

I am advised that the Office of Public Works has completed a feasibility study on the existing Garda station site with regard to the brief of requirements for a district headquarters station. Office of Public Works architectural services are currently reviewing that study from a health and safety, building efficiency and compliance perspective prior to the preparation of tender documents for the procurement of external civil and structural, mechanical and electrical consultants. I note the Deputy's comments on timelines and that the Deputy wishes to have certainty on the matter of this proposed building. I understand it is currently envisaged that the tenders for both of these services will issue between now and the end of this year, which is in the next few weeks. I am further advised that, at this early stage of the project and until the full design team is in place, it is difficult to estimate the precise timeline for the completion of the works. However, it is hoped by all involved that the necessary planning and procurement processes will take place by end of next year. Following these, it is envisaged the construction will take approximately 18 months.

With regard to the existing accommodation at Newcastle West, pending the refurbishment, I understand that minor remedial works continue to be progressed between An Garda Síochána in conjunction with the Office of Public Works as the need arises. I reassure the House that the Government is fully committed to proceeding with its major investment programme that aims to provide new stations and to modernise older stations at key locations around the country, ensuring a safe, modern working environment for gardaí as well as fit-for-purpose facilities for visitors, victims and suspects, as well as the people in the Newcastle West and surrounding areas of County Limerick in general.

Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister and welcome his statement. He has put some meat on the bones regarding the timeline for refurbishment. I ask the Minister to keep a close eye on this and that efforts be made to push it through as quickly as possible, given the timelines there in respect of next year. It will help if we can bring it forward or prioritise it to any degree, even perhaps by a number of months. The refurbishment was announced in 2014. I recognise the Minister's input and thank him for his reply and his prioritising of this issue.

On the issue of the Garda in County Limerick in general, I welcome the recruitment that is taking place and recognise that Templemore was opened by the last Government. We want to see that recruitment continue and to ensure the force is beefed up to the level outlined in the programme for Government but I must also put in my own spake for Limerick. I hope that rural Limerick is not forgotten but will be recognised, particularly given the challenges rural areas have had to face in recent years. The county will be complemented by the city region as well. We are trying to get the resources for the city but are keen to ensure the rural areas are not forgotten.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for the Garda in County Limerick and how it conducts itself. A superintendent in Newcastle West has retired. I wish him well and hope that his replacement will be brought in as soon as possible. I thank the Minister for replying to my question.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy has asked that I keep a close eye on matters. I assure him that I am very keen that this project will be completed but I do not believe there is any necessity for me to keep a close eye on matters, having regard to the close eye Deputy Neville himself keeps on this and other important issues in the Limerick constituency.

I agree with the Deputy on the matter of Garda recruitment. I am committed to ensuring a strong and visible Garda presence throughout the country to maintain and strengthen community engagement, to provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. The substantial increase in Garda numbers is tangible progress towards achieving the overall vision of this Government to have an overall Garda service of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprised of 15,000 gardaí, 2,000 members of the Garda Reserve and 4,000 civilians. I am pleased to say that last week's budget will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and will ensure that our targets are firmly on track. Deputy Neville will be aware of the recent graduation of 180 Garda recruits and trainees from Templemore, with a further 200 expected to complete their training course prior to the end of this year, which will bring numbers in the Garda service, having regard to retirements, to approximately 13,500 by the end of this year. Many of these new recruits have been given responsibilities in the Deputy's constituency of Limerick.

On the specific issue of Newcastle West, I assure the Deputy that the works on the Garda station in Newcastle West is a key component of the Garda station building and refurbishment programme, which is an ambitious five-year plan which will benefit Newcastle West, Limerick and other areas. An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works, OPW, are working closely to progress the works and to ensure adequate accommodation for the Garda in the meantime, considering the challenge of being a member of the force. The works are estimated to take 18 months following the completion of the tender and procurement process. They will be completed at the earliest opportunity throughout 2018 and I am sure that we will have the opportunity of revisiting this issue as the works progress.