Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 157: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Finglas Garda station represents a suitable environment in which Garda can police a community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8477/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 158: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a deadline by which Finglas Garda station will be relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8478/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 159: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when repair and refurbishment of Finglas Garda station will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8479/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 160: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way and location in which gardaí at Finglas station should receive persons wishing to discuss a private matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8480/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the degree to which the policing of the Finglas area is being compromised by poor Garda station accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8481/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 to 161, inclusive, together.

In the case of Finglas Garda station, which is not of an acceptable standard, I have already stated that immediate priority is being given to providing a new Garda station there. A suitable site has been identified by the Office of Public Works on the Mellowes Road, and I understand that it is in negotiation to agree the terms for the purchase.

The Deputy will appreciate that the precise date when construction of the new station can commence is in the first instance dependent on the site being acquired by the Office of Public Works. In that regard, I am assured that the purchase is being pursued as quickly as possible.

In the interim, in addition to carrying out certain necessary refurbishment works to the station, the Office of Public Works is endeavouring to negotiate a short-term lease for additional space in Finglas village to alleviate the accommodation problems at the station.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 162: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations which have been prioritised for repairs; the length of time each such station has been prioritised as such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8482/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda authorities do not prioritise Garda stations for repairs. I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 109, ref. 5080/05, of 16 February 2005 in which I stated, inter alia, that all Garda accommodation is continually under review to ensure that it meets the operational requirements of the Garda Síochána. As I indicated, where it does not meet those requirements, the required refurbishment or construction works are completed by the Office of Public Works with all due urgency and in accordance with overall priorities within the Garda building programme and the availability of financial and other resources.

In addition, in excess of €7 million has been allocated in the Garda Vote for 2005 for necessary maintenance works to Garda premises. In that context, I am satisfied that every effort is being made and will continue to be made, to ensure a high standard of Garda premises throughout the country.