David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Senator on her interest in pursuing this important matter and I thank her for raising. Again, I assure her of the Government's commitment to the pilot Garda station reopening scheme, which is intended to determine possible positive impacts that such openings would have on criminal activity. That is the reason it is going ahead.

As I have said, An Garda Síochána and the OPW are working closely together to allow for the reopening of the stations concerned, including the station in Rush. I have heard the Senator's views and I reassure her that the OPW and Garda authorities are working closely together to allow for the reopening of each of the six stations. The station in Donard has been completed and has been handed over and the others will hopefully be completed this year as well.

It is not possible for me to say at this stage when exactly Rush Garda station will reopen because that is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the OPW that the necessary remedial works will be completed by the summer of this year. Staffing and other resources are matters for the Commissioner and the Minister has no direct role in directing that, as such. The exact opening date is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. I thank the Senator for her interest and for raising this matter.