Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Martin Mansergh, is away on Government business. I am aware from the record of the House that Senator Keaveney has been very active with regard to Carndonagh Garda station.

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on agreed priorities established by the Garda Síochána. This programme is brought forward in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a contract is in place for the refurbishment and extension of the accommodation at Carndonagh Garda station and work commenced on site last Tuesday, 2 March 2010. This work will include the provision of additional accommodation to provide male and female locker facilities, ablution facilities, a kitchen area, communications room, enhancements to the public office and the provision of additional office space. The refurbishment and extension works are expected to last a number of months during which time gardaí normally based at Carndonagh will operate from Clonmany and Malin stations. In addition, a Garda public office will operate in Carndonagh during weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the duration of refurbishment works to facilitate public inquiries.

Garda management monitor policing arrangements and operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In this regard, local Garda management has put in place arrangements to ensure there is no diminution in the policing service provided to the north Inishowen area in the period concerned.

There has been a sustained programme of investment in Garda accommodation in recent years which has seen the delivery of a number of significant projects, including the new Garda district headquarters at Buncrana which has recently been completed. A number of other works have either been completed, are in progress, or are about to commence within the division, including Newtowncunningham, Raphoe, Letterkenny, Clonmany and Ballybofey.

I am aware the Senator has a strong interest in the issue of providing a new Garda station in Carndonagh. In that context, I understand the Office of Public Works will continue to examine all available options for a new Garda station in Carndonagh in the context of securing best value for public money in the light of available resources and in the context of the identified accommodation priorities of the Garda Síochána. I will direct the Senator's frustrations to the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh.