Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Finance the situation regarding the proposed new Garda station at Ballincollig Garda station; when planning will be sought for this development. [4907/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,000 following the attestation of 299 new members on Thursday, 16 November, 2006. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) as at 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,298 (or 21.5%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training as at the 31 December 2006 was 14,068. Furthermore, I should say that in December, 2006 as part of a package of anti-crime measures, the Government approved the continuation of the existing Garda recruitment programme to achieve a total Garda strength of 15,000. The accelerated intake of 275 new recruits per quarter into the Garda College will continue until this target is met. The Garda Budget now stands at €1.4 billion, an 11% increase on 2006 and a 96% increase since 1997 in real terms.

There are plans to build a new city type Garda station at Ballincollig. A revised sketch scheme was sent to the OPW recently. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will proceed with the planning process and invitation of tenders.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of Ballincollig Garda Station on 31 December, 1997 and 12 February, 2007 was 17 and 21 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 4 (or 23.5%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. Ballincollig Garda Station is open to the public from 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 6pm and 7pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. The call diversion system is in operation and linked to the District Headquarters at Gurranabraher Garda Station.

I am advised that the extension of opening hours at Ballincollig Garda Station would necessitate the employment of additional personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

During the allocation of newly attested personnel, the needs of Ballincollig Garda Station will be fully considered by the Garda Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Wexford; the reason for the delay regarding this project; when he expects the building to begin; when planning is expected to be applied for to Wexford County Council; if he will confirm that this will be the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5328/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works expect to finalise the acquisition of a site at Roxborough for Wexford Garda Station before the end of February 2007.

It is expected that a sketch scheme for a new Divisional Headquarters will be ready in early 2007. On approval of the sketch scheme by the Garda Authorities a Part 9 planning application will be initiated. Allowing for the completion of the planning process and the procurement process, it is expected that construction will commence within 12 months.