Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the fitness of accommodation at all Garda locations including plans in place to renovate or replace all stations where conditions are unacceptable. [22516/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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There is a significant ongoing programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda stations and other Garda accommodation around the country. The Garda Building Programme is based on agreed priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda stations and other accommodation.

Approximately €37 million a year from 2005 to this year has been spent on a wide range of Garda building projects. Building projects for new stations in Bantry, Ballyshannon, Roscrea, New Ross, Ballina and Oranmore, among others, have been completed. In addition, a major building programme was completed in the Garda College in Templemore and a 252 acre site outside Templemore has been purchased for the development of a new tactical training centre for An Garda Síochána.

In addition to the capital funding outlined above, a total of €8.36 million is provided for maintenance of existing stations under the Garda Vote Estimate for 2007 — an increase of €2.1 million on last year's allocation.

Major funding of the Garda Building Programme will continue with €260 million allocated for the refurbishment of Garda stations under the National Development Plan. The Garda authorities under the new civilian accommodation manager are working on the development of a strategic multi-annual development plan as recommended in the recent report from the Garda Inspectorate.