Seanad debates

Thursday, 5 February 2015

Commencement Matters

Garda Stations

10:50 am

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House.

A recent report on the Bailieborough Garda station building, in County Cavan, found that it was not fit for purpose and was in a dilapidated state. The current station, which is located in Barrack Street, is a former RIC barracks and is totally inadequate. Portakabins are being used to provide extra space and there is insufficient parking for Garda vehicles, members' private cars or the general public.

That Garda station, which is a district headquarters, should have modern, state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate gardaí and others working there, as well as members of the public who have reason to call to the station to transact their business.

My colleague in the Lower House, Deputy Brendan Smith, has raised this issue on a number of occasions with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. In her most recent reply she stated that the Garda Síochána authorities, who are responsible for the Garda district headquarters at this particular location, will continue to pursue this matter in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in light of available resources within the Vote for the Office of Public Works.

I am aware that the Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, have recently requested submissions from property owners or developers wishing to provide a usable site in the order of 0.5 hectare, or buildings on comparably sized plots, for the provision of a new Garda station facility in Bailieborough. I appreciate that it will take time to get submissions. I understand that the end of the month is the deadline for them, but even after that they will have to be checked and planning permission must be sought. However, I am anxious to find out if provision has been made in this year's budget for a new Garda headquarters in Bailieborough. It should be progressed as swiftly as possible.

Deputy Brendan Smith has raised this matter in the Dáil on a number of occasions, and we have had meetings with local residents concerning it. Councillors Fergal Curtin, Clifford Kelly and Shane P. O'Reilly have contacted us continuously about this matter. We are most anxious to see that this much-needed facility is progressed for staff who have to work there, as well as for the general public. The new facility should be provided as a matter of urgency.

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