Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Finance when the original decision to provide a new Garda station at Leixlip, County Kildare was taken; the action taken each year since then to finalise the project; the extent to which all matters affecting the provision of the station have been currently examined, resolved and finalised; when he expects the station to be commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36597/06]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The search for the site for a Garda Station in Leixlip commenced in 1997. In 1997, 2000, and 2002 ten sites, four sites and two sites were examined, respectively. All of the sixteen sites investigated were located within a reasonable distance from the centre of Leixlip, in line with OPW's understanding of Garda operation requirements but no suitable site was identified until a site at Station Road came to attention. The acquisition of the site at Station Road, Leixlip was completed in October 2002.

Following the acquisition of the site at Station Road the Garda accommodation requirements increased to reflect newly increased policing operations generally within the force. Consequently OPW sought to acquire additional land adjacent to the Station Road site. In May 2005 agreement was reached with Kildare County Council to transfer this plot of land to OPW. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform approved the revised sketch scheme and the Part 9 consultation began in December 2005. Some 98 submissions were received in response to the Part 9 Notice and the Commissioners of Public Works appointed an independent assessor to consider the submissions. In September 2006 the Commissioners made a formal decision to proceed with the construction of the Station. The tendering process will commence shortly. It is expected that works will commence on site early next year and that the building will be completed mid 2008.