Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, who, unfortunately, cannot be here, I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. He has a keen interest in justice and equality. He will appreciate that the programme for the replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation the OPW, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary new builds and any remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations. The Minister has no direct role in these matters. The Minister, however, has been informed by the Garda authorities that the proposed site for the new Garda station in Glanmire has been the subject of legal proceedings, which were settled towards the end of 2016. I understand that the Garda and OPW are working very closely to progress the development as soon as possible.

The Senator will be aware that the proposed Glanmire station forms part of the Garda station building and refurbishment programme for the period 2016 to 2021, which makes provision for the major refurbishment of stations and facilities, including facilities for meeting victims of crime; essential remedial works to existing stations; the development of large-scale property and exhibit-management stores; the upgrading of cells; and the provision of improved custody management facilities.

Under the programme, in addition to the proposed Glanmire station, new stations will be provided in Bailieborough, Sligo, Macroom and Clonmel. This is in addition to the new divisional headquarters in Dublin and Wexford, as well as a new regional headquarters in Galway, whose development is currently under way at a cost of over €100 million and which are expected to be completed in 2017. Of course, these measures cannot be viewed in isolation from the Government's overarching commitment to ensuring a strong and viable police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. In furtherance of this, the Senator will be aware that, in July 2016, the Government approved the Minister's proposal for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Garda Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In addition, the Government's capital plan for the period 2016 to 2021 provides some €205 million for investment in Garda ICT infrastructure and €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet. Taken together, the above measures reinforce the Government's commitment to enabling significant reform in An Garda Síochána and to providing a high-profile and visible policing service for our communities.