Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the construction of a new Garda headquarters in Wexford; when construction is expected to begin; when it is envisaged that this facility will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30471/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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There are plans to construct a new Wexford Divisional Headquarters Garda station.

I understand that the necessary first step in providing the new station, the acquisition of a suitable site, has almost been completed by the Office of Public Works and it is expected that this will be finalised by the end of October, 2006.

The Garda authorities and my Department have undertaken the necessary preparatory work to ensure that the new station will meet the present and future requirements of the Wexford Division. To this end, at a meeting to discuss and agree the new station's accommodation requirements which took place in Wexford Garda station on the 27th September, 2006, a brief of accommodation requirements was discussed in detail and agreed. This agreed brief of requirements will be submitted shortly by the Garda authorities and the Office of Public Works will then produce a sketch design scheme for agreement by Garda management and the representative bodies.

With regard to the expected construction start and completion dates for the new station, I have been advised by the Office of Public Works that preparations for construction is planned to commence early in 2007 and it is envisaged that construction work on the new Wexford Divisional Headquarters Garda station will commence on site at the end of 2007 or early 2008.