Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, wishes to thank the Senator for raising this matter and regrets that she is unable to be present as she is attending a passing-out parade at the Garda College in Templemore today. It is the first time in a while that a large number of new gardaí will enter the force.

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on requirements established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, OPW, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Provision for expenditure on capital projects, including the provision of Garda accommodation, is provided for in the Vote of the OPW. In that context, the Minister has been informed by the OPW that the acquisition of a site for development of a new district headquarters in Bailieborough has been identified by An Garda Síochána as a priority for 2015. She has also been informed that a review of State-owned sites in the area was conducted to identify any suitable site for the development of a new Garda station in Bailieborough. However, no suitable site was identified. The OPW has further advised her that a notice was recently published in local and national media seeking offers of suitable sites or properties for this development. She has been advised that a significant number of responses were received involving a variety of proposed solutions. All of these responses are being examined and will be fully evaluated by the OPW in consultation with the Garda authorities. It is not possible at this stage to indicate when that process will be complete. However, the Minister has been advised by the Garda authorities that the provision of a new Garda district headquarters in Bailieborough will continue to be pursued in the context of An Garda Síochána’s identified accommodation priorities, the successful acquisition of a suitable site or property and in the light of available resources in the Vote of the OPW.

With regard to the existing station at Bailieborough, the Garda authorities have advised that, while a long-term solution to the accommodation needs at Bailieborough is being progressed, Garda management is actively engaged with the OPW with a view to improving in the more immediate term the working conditions at the station. In that context, any proposal for refurbishment works at the existing station will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and the availability of funding in the Vote of the OPW.