Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations which have been identified as being in a state of poor repair or dilapidation or have otherwise been deemed unsuitable or inadequate accommodation for the number of gardaí stationed in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4032/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Most Garda properties are vested in the Office of Public Works. A survey of the Garda property portfolio was carried out on behalf of the Office of Public Works to determine which Garda properties were considered economically maintainable and which uneconomic to repair. Following that survey, the Office of Public Works last year ran a pilot equity exchange programme of eight Garda stations in counties Limerick and Tipperary selected by that office, following consultation with my Department and the Garda authorities. The programme was developed to test the feasibility of exchanging clusters of small Garda stations which cannot be viably maintained for new modern station facilities.

The Office of Public Works reports that the level of interest expressed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme and that the Commissioners of Public Works are considering how best to progress matters. In the meantime, the Commissioners of Public Works will undertake any essential maintenance works necessary to stations.

Separate from the equity exchange programme, significant funding is provided each year by the Office of Public Works for the Garda capital building programme with an estimated €10 million provided in 2005.

This does not include additional funding to provide new accommodation requirements for the Garda College in Templemore arising from the increased number of recruits to bring the strength of the force up to 14,000. The building programme in many cases addresses sub-standard accommodation as well as meeting additional and new requirements. Major projects under way include Ballyshannon, Bantry, and Ballina.

There is a provision of more than €7 million in the Garda Vote in 2005 to meet ongoing maintenance of Garda stations such as painting and minor repairs.