Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will address public concern in a town (details supplied) in County Donegal caused by the temporary closure of the town's Garda station; the nature and thrust of An Garda Síochána services that will be provided in the town during this period; when the Garda station will reopen; the cost of these refurbishments to the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11191/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that a contract is in place for the refurbishment and extension of the accommodation at Carndonagh and work commenced on site on the 2nd of March 2010. The refurbishment and extension works are expected to last a number of months during which time Gardaí normally based at Carndonagh will operate from Clonmany and Malin stations. In addition, a Garda public office will operate in Carndonagh during weekdays from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., for the duration of refurbishment works, to facilitate public enquiries.

Garda management monitor, on an ongoing basis, policing arrangements and operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. In this regard, local Garda management have put in place arrangements to ensure that there is no diminution in the policing service provided to the North Inishowen area in the period concerned. While I do not have details of all the costs involved, I understand from the Office of Public Works that the relevant expenditure is likely to exceed €100,000.