Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 276: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the improvement of Garda stations or barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5382/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy can be assured that there is an enormous work programme in place to progress the refurbishment or replacement of specific Garda stations in order to bring them up to the highest standard. Between the start of 2005 to the end of 2007, the Office of Public Works will have spent approximately €112 million on a wide range of Garda building projects. In 2005 alone, that Office spent €26 million on Garda Building projects such as Bantry, Ballyshannon, Roscrea, New Ross and Ballina Garda Stations. In addition, a major building programme was completed in the Garda College and recently the Board purchased 252 acres of land outside Templemore for the new tactical training centre for An Garda Síochána.

A wide range of projects are scheduled between now and the end of 2007, which include Kill-O-Grange, Claremorris and Oranmore as well as progressing, Ballymun, Dromad, Finglas and many more. In addition to the capital funding outlined above, a total of €8.36m is provided for maintenance of existing stations under the Garda Vote Estimate for 2007 — an increase of €2.1m on last years allocation.

The Garda Building Programme is progressed on the basis of agreed priorities. A number of the stations form part of an overall list of 40 to 50 Major Capital Works projects that have been prioritised and are being advanced. Others are included in planned refurbishment works and the provision of standard smaller type stations known as "basic units". It is important to note that progress on the Garda major building programme is achieved by consensus and with the cooperation and commitment of all concerned — the Garda authorities and Representative Associations and the Office of Public Works from whose Vote the capital works to Garda properties are funded.

I am determined that the Garda Building Programme will be progressed as quickly as possible. Processes have been streamlined by the appointment of a new civilian Garda Accommodation Officer last year. Also, the transfer of Accounting Officer functions to the Garda Commissioner has led to greater efficiencies as functions previously split between the Gardaí and my Department are now transferred to An Garda Síochána.