Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of a Garda barracks (details supplied) in County Galway. [17672/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are plans to provide a new Garda station at the location mentioned by the Deputy. As a first step in the process, the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility in such matters, has been asked to acquire a suitable site.

In addition, the Deputy will be aware that last year the Office of Public Works publicised a pilot equity exchange programme, the purpose of which was to provide suitable accommodation for gardaí at eight Garda stations in counties Limerick and Tipperary, selected by the Office of Public Works following consultation with my Department and the Garda authorities. It was the intention to extend the programme to stations such as the one raised by the Deputy.

I understand from the Office of Public Works, however, that the level of interest expressed in the pilot was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme and that the Commissioners of Public Works are now considering how best to progress matters.