Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Finance if he intends to take action regarding the unsatisfactory conditions of Garda stations in Ballincollig, Ballinhassig, Ballymun, Buncrana, Doon, Dunmanway, Easkey, Finglas, Tralee and Wexford; the timetable for the repair or replacement of those stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18255/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works operate the Garda accommodation programme from a prioritised list provided by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Authority. Not all of the stations referred to in the Question are allocated the highest priority on the programme. The stations having a priority are being advanced accordingly.

Ballincollig Garda Station, Co. Cork (No. 36 on the Major List): The Commissioners of Public Works are currently finalising the purchase of a site to allow for the construction of a new station. When legal formalities have been finalised work can commence.

Ballinhassig Garda Station, Co. Cork (No. 25 on the Basic List): A site was acquired in 1984 for development. The local Gardaí have been operating from a prefabricated structure for many years now. The Commissioners of Public Works have yet to receive a brief for a new station from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform.

Ballymun Garda Station, Co. Dublin: Tenders for the construction of a new station in Ballymun are to be invited in June 2006.

Buncrana Garda Station, Co. Donegal: The Commissioners of Public Works are urgently examining a number of options regarding replacement of the present station.

Doon Garda Station, Co. Limerick (No. 23 on the Basic List): This station has been identified as one of the stations to be included in the equity swap program. The Commissioners of Public Works and the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform are now reviewing this programme in the light of the poor response to the public advertisement last year.

Dunmanway Garda Station, Co. Cork: The Commissioners of Public Works have agreed terms for the acquisition of additional land, which is vital to the proposed development at this station. Development will proceed when the terms of the legal agreement have been finalised.

Easkey Garda Station, Co. Sligo: A contract has been placed and works have commenced to provide temporary accommodation for the Garda Síochána in Easkey. A Revised brief was received from the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform on 2nd May for the permanent accommodation provision. The Commissioners of Public Works are now proceeding with a sketch scheme for a new station.

Finglas Garda Station, Co. Dublin: Tender documents will be completed following the Part 9 Planning Consultation, which has been submitted to the local council. It is expected that tenders for the construction of the new station will be invited in September 2006, with construction commencing on-site by the end of the year.

Tralee Garda Station, Co. Kerry: The Commissioners of Public Works are currently examining a proposal for a replacement station.

Wexford Garda Station, Co. Wexford: The Commissioners of Public Works are agreeing terms for the acquisition of a site for a new station. Development will proceed when the legal agreement has been finalised. The Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform has to issue a brief.