Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to upgrade Garda stations in Dublin city and around the country; if there is a budget in place for basic repair and upgrade works when they are deemed necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39790/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Over the past number of years significant investments has been made in the Garda Síochána accommodation programme. This year alone new Garda Stations have opened in Ballymun, Leixlip, Irishtown, Finglas and Ballymote, Co. Sligo and it is expected that a new station at Buncrana, Co. Donegal will open in the near future. In addition, refurbishment works have commenced at a number of Stations around the country.

I am advised 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 to support the requirements of operational policing. The strategy will bring forward a mechanism to systematically prioritise investment projects and provide an estimate for the cost of the works involved.

The capital budget for new stations and major refurbishments is provided for in the Vote of the Office of Public Works. In addition, a maintenance budget (amounting to over €7.5m in 2009) is included in the Garda Vote. I am advised that the Office of Public Works has implemented a measured term maintenance programme for all Dublin Garda stations which has proved extremely efficient in delivering a quality customer service to the Garda Síochána.