Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am answering on behalf of the Tánaiste, who cannot be present.

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. He will appreciate that 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, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary new build and any remedial or refurbishment work required at individual stations. The Tánaiste has no role in these matters.

I am informed that the opening hours for Timoleague Garda station, which forms part of the Bandon district, are 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday to Sunday, with calls diverted automatically to Bandon Garda station outside of these hours. I understand that the strength of the Bandon district is 103 members, three Garda reservists and 11 civilian staff. The Garda authorities have informed me that there are no plans at present to undertake significant works at the station.

The Senator will be aware of the significant current investment in the Garda estate. For example, the 2016-21 Garda station building and refurbishment programme, which was announced in October 2015 by the Tánaiste and the Minister of State at the OPW, is based on agreed priorities established by the Garda. More than 30 locations around the country will benefit from the programme, which includes major refurbishment of stations and facilities, for example, facilities for meeting victims of crime, essential remedial works to existing stations, development of large-scale property and exhibit management stores, the upgrade of cells and the provision of improved custody management facilities. The programme is being delivered by the Garda authorities in co-operation with the OPW, which has responsibility for capital expenditure in this area. Under the programme, new Garda stations will also be provided in Glanmire, County Cork, and Bailieborough, County Cavan, through direct Exchequer funding and a further three new Garda stations will be provided in Sligo, Macroom and Clonmel by means of public-private partnerships.

In addition to the programme, more than €100 million has been provided for new divisional headquarters in Kevin Street, Dublin, and Wexford as well as for a new regional headquarters in Galway. These projects are under way and are expected to be completed in 2017.

These measures cannot be viewed in isolation from the Government's overarching commitment to ensuring a strong and visible 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 Tánaiste's proposal for an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 gardaí. 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. In addition, the Government's Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 provides some €205 million for investment in Garda ICT infrastructure and €46 million for investment in the Garda fleet. Taken together, the Tánaiste believes that these 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.