Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 7 June 2011, if he has given consideration to a lease arrangement for the provision of new premises for An Garda Síochána at a location (details supplied) in order that initial capital costs by the State can be minimised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18015/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Bailieborough Garda Station is currently located in a building which is deemed inadequate by An Garda Síochána for policing needs and has been prioritised for replacement. In light of the requirement for more modern facilities, OPW has advised An Garda Síochána that the optimum solution in this case is the construction of new purpose-built facilities on a greenfied site.

Bailieborough Garda Station is responsible for carrying out a range of different functions specific to a District Headquarters such as traffic control and management, investigation of serious crime, detention of prisoners, etc. These functions require specific custom designed spaces which are not generally available in leased buildings and which are best provided in purpose-built Station premises. Additionally, given current building standards in regard to requirements such as universal access, energy efficiency and sustainable design, it is clear that no suitable premises exists in Bailieborough currently which would meet the needs of An Garda Síochána or which could be adapted economically for its purposes.