Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a new Garda station will be built in a town (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13620/09]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the conclusions and recommendations of the review of Garda stations in rural locations; the action taken to date on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13639/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 123 and 127 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Commissioner has established a Garda Accommodation Programme Board, under the chairmanship of the Chief Administrative Officer, to prepare a long-term accommodation strategy for the organisation. This strategy will address a number of areas including the identification of future accommodation needs with particular reference to policy and policing requirements taking into account international trends and perspectives. It will also assess current buildings and facilities including their condition, location and development requirements. The scope of the strategy includes all rural Garda stations and the specific station referred to by the Deputy. Consultations in relation to the development of the strategy with senior Garda management and the Garda staff associations and civilian trade unions are ongoing. The final strategy will require the approval of the Commissioner following which it will be submitted to me for consideration.