Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if steps are being taken to address the sub-standard accommodation and facilities in many Garda stations that have in the case of Finglas Garda station led to a threat of a walk-out by members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4926/05]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the actions he is taking to ensure that Finglas Garda station is brought to an adequate condition and level of staffing to tackle the serious levels of anti-social and violent crime in the area; and if this will be addressed as a matter of urgency. [5082/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 108 together.

In the case of Finglas Garda station, immediate priority is being given to build a new Garda station there and to that end I understand that the Office of Public Works has identified a suitable site at Mellowes Road, Finglas. I also understand that negotiations to agree terms for the purchase are being progressed by the Office of Public Works with due urgency.

Accordingly, while I cannot at this point state a precise date when construction of the new station will commence, I assure the Deputies that there will be no avoidable delay, and the project will be progressed as quickly as the availability of financial and other resources allow. In the interim period, the Office of Public Works is negotiating a short term lease in Finglas village for additional space to alleviate the accommodation problems at the existing station.

As to the level of staffing, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Finglas Garda station as at 11 February 2005 was 82, all ranks. Finglas is part of the Dublin metropolitan west division and it is the responsibility of the divisional officer to allocate personnel within his-her division to ensure the optimum use is made of resources within the division.