Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Minister of State to the House.

A recent report on the Bailieborough Garda station building, in County Cavan, found that it was not fit for purpose and was in a dilapidated state. The current station, which is located in Barrack Street, is a former RIC barracks and is totally inadequate. Portakabins are being used to provide extra space and there is insufficient parking for Garda vehicles, members' private cars or the general public.

That Garda station, which is a district headquarters, should have modern, state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate gardaí and others working there, as well as members of the public who have reason to call to the station to transact their business.

My colleague in the Lower House, Deputy Brendan Smith, has raised this issue on a number of occasions with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. In her most recent reply she stated that the Garda Síochána authorities, who are responsible for the Garda district headquarters at this particular location, will continue to pursue this matter in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in light of available resources within the Vote for the Office of Public Works.

I am aware that the Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, have recently requested submissions from property owners or developers wishing to provide a usable site in the order of 0.5 hectare, or buildings on comparably sized plots, for the provision of a new Garda station facility in Bailieborough. I appreciate that it will take time to get submissions. I understand that the end of the month is the deadline for them, but even after that they will have to be checked and planning permission must be sought. However, I am anxious to find out if provision has been made in this year's budget for a new Garda headquarters in Bailieborough. It should be progressed as swiftly as possible.

Deputy Brendan Smith has raised this matter in the Dáil on a number of occasions, and we have had meetings with local residents concerning it. Councillors Fergal Curtin, Clifford Kelly and Shane P. O'Reilly have contacted us continuously about this matter. We are most anxious to see that this much-needed facility is progressed for staff who have to work there, as well as for the general public. The new facility should be provided as a matter of urgency.

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, wishes to thank the Senator for raising the matter and regrets that she is unable to be present for this discussion.

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on requirements which are established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Provision for expenditure on capital projects, including the provision of Garda accommodation, is provided for in the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

In that context, the Minister has been informed by the Office of Public Works that the acquisition of a site for development of a new district headquarters in Bailieborough has been identified by An Garda Síochána as a priority for 2015.

The Minister has also been informed that a review of State-owned sites in the area was conducted to identify any suitable sites for the development of a new Garda station in Bailieborough. No suitable State-owned site was identified. The Office of Public Works has further advised the Minister that a notice has recently been published in local and national media seeking offers of suitable sites.

The Minister has been advised by the Garda authorities that the provision of a new Garda district headquarters in Bailieborough will continue to be pursued in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities, the successful acquisition of a suitable site and in light of available resources within the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

With regard to the existing station at Bailieborough, the Garda authorities have advised that while a long-term solution to the accommodation needs at Bailieborough is being progressed, Garda management is actively engaged with the Office of Public Works with a view to improving, in the more immediate term, the working conditions at Bailieborough Garda station.

In that context, any proposals for refurbishment works at the existing station will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and the availability of funding within the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State for her reply. She stated that while this process is being pursued, the OPW is working with An Garda Síochána to try to improve working conditions for members there. I would also include the general public who have to use those facilities. This is one of only two district headquarters that still remain within County Cavan. The other district headquarters, in Cavan Town, is coming under pressure due to the closure of the Ballyconnell station. As a result, the district jurisdiction for that area has now been moved to Cavan Town, so it is difficult to find accommodation for personnel who have moved.

I welcome the fact that while this process is being pursued, conditions will be improved. However, we do not want that used as an excuse for putting the matter on the long finger. The facility is badly needed and long overdue. The Minister of State should emphasise to the Minister the necessity for providing this new accommodation as quickly as possible.

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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I thank the Senator again for raising this important matter. As I indicated earlier, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on agreed priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The necessary work is progressed in co-operation with the Office of Public Works. That office has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Provision for expenditure on the provision of Garda accommodation is provided for in the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

The Office of Public Works has informed the Minister that the acquisition of a site for development of a new district headquarters in Bailieborough has been identified by An Garda Síochána as a priority for 2015.

The provision of a new Garda district headquarters in Bailieborough will continue to be pursued in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities, the successful acquisition of a suitable site, and in light of available resources within the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

I assure the Senator that I will pursue his concerns with the Minister.