Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 490: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to erect a new Garda station in Castlepollard, County Westmeath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Westmeath County Council is prepared to play a positive role in the provision of the necessary site for the construction of a new station; the further steps he will take to have same pursued and the erection of this station expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31654/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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A survey of the Garda property portfolio was carried out on behalf of the Office of Public Works some time ago to determine and list the Garda properties considered to be economically maintainable and those considered to be 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 in return for new modern station facilities. It was intended to extend this programme to other Garda stations such as Castlepollard.

However, I understand from the Office of Public Works that the level of interest expressed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme and that the Commissioners of Public Works are now considering alternative approaches. Furthermore, until the Office of Public Works has concluded its deliberations, I am not in a position to indicate when Castlepollard Garda station will be addressed. I can say, however, that in the meantime the Commissioners of Public Works will undertake any essential maintenance works.

I understand that the Office of Public Works are aware of the interest that the county council has in the matter.