Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am looking for an update regarding the re-opening of Ballinspittle Garda station. It was to be opened under the Garda station reopening pilot scheme announced in February 2017. It is an important and unique location. The 2016 census showed it has one of the largest catchment areas for a rural Garda station. This must be taken into consideration with the significant influx of tourists there over the next several weeks, making it a thriving and busy village.

When I met the local community last weekend, it was concerned at the progress of the reopening of the Garda station. Originally, it was announced it would be open by March 2019 and that date was moved to the second quarter of 2019. I met the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, and the Minister of State at Bandon Garda station last February when June or July was mentioned as the opening date. There is local concern about where the project is at currently, given the lack of work on the ground. I am seeking an update on the timeline. Will the station open in the next few weeks or months?

Due to the busy summer period in Ballinspittle and its coastal hinterland, it is a key location that needs its Garda station re-opened. It is important we get an update on when work will begin on the site and when the opening will be. Staffing the station is another issue that needs to be dealt with down the line.