Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to the House.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for making time available. Since she is from my constituency she will be aware of the issues I am raising relating to Blarney Garda station and the station in Glanmire. My understanding is that tenders were invited and have been received for Blarney Garda station. Given that there are some changes in the way we are organising the deployment of gardaí throughout the city and county, the refurbishment of the station is an important issue for Blarney. The station was damaged and my understanding is that tenders were submitted. I am interested in the timescale in respect of the signing of the contracts, the time period it is likely to take to carry out the work and when we can expect to have gardaí back in the station.

The second issue relates to Glanmire where, as I understand it, there is a proposal for a totally new station. My understanding is that there has been some delay in the process. It might be helpful if there was clarification, especially for the local community. This area has grown a good deal in the past 15 or 20 years. There is a large number of houses there now but there is also a large young population. There is a need to have some certainty with regard to what is proposed for the Glanmire area.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I thank the Senator for tabling this issue which is of unique interest to both of us because we come from the same constituency. I beg the indulgence of Members because there is a Topical Issue in the Dáil which I must deal with. It is fourth on the list and they have already started the debate. I am desperately hoping to get there for it but obviously I will stay while I can.

The Minister has asked me to thank Senators for raising these matters. The programme of refurbishment and replacement of Garda accommodation throughout the country is determined on the basis of accommodation priorities established by An Garda Síochána.

The provision of Garda accommodation, including refurbishment works, site purchases, the provision of new buildings and the examination of potential sites for the location of Garda stations, comes under the remit of the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for capital expenditure on Garda accommodation.

Accordingly, Garda accommodation projects are progressed in the context of the availability of funding within the OPW Vote and in light of the priority attached to each project by the Garda authorities. In that context, the Minister has been advised by the Garda authorities that significant progress has been made in resolving the accommodation issue at Blarney Garda station. The Minister has also been informed that the tender process for the redevelopment of the station has been completed and that, subject to all necessary legal requirements being completed, refurbishment work is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The proposed refurbishment works include the complete renovation of the existing building and the provision of additional accommodation through the construction of a new three storey extension. The progress that has been made in respect of the Blarney station is significant and the Minister looks forward to the completion of the relevant works as quickly as possible.

With regard to Glanmire Garda station, the Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that, following advertisements placed by the Office of Public Works, a suitable premises for a new Garda station for Glanmire has been identified. The Minister has also been informed that issues concerning the purchase of this site are the subject of ongoing legal correspondence. Accordingly, he is not in a position to offer any further comment on the matter. The Senator will appreciate that the provision of a new Garda station for Glanmire is a project to which both the Garda authorities and the Office of Public Works attach a high priority. The Minister has asked me to confirm this is also his view. That is good news for both areas.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I do not want to go into the issue with regard to Glanmire, but I received a memorandum expressing concerns about the delays in dealing with the legal issues. I will convey that memorandum to the Minister. This matter has dragged on a bit and should be resolved and brought to a conclusion so that we may get on with the job of getting the station built.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I will make further inquiries as to the difficulties and how they can best be resolved.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I appreciate that and thank the Minister of State for setting time aside for this.