Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the proposed new building of the Garda Barracks in Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7963/13]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Current accommodation occupied by An Garda Síochána in Athlone comprises the original Garda Station, the former adjacent Government Offices and the nearby former Eircom premises. It is intended to carry out a major refurbishment project at this location. In that regard, a significant amount of preparatory work has been completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on design and contract documentation. Due to current financial constraints, affecting this and other construction projects, it is not possible at this stage to say when tenders will be invited or when construction works will commence on site. The matter will continue to be reviewed in light of the availability of capital funding in the OPW Vote and the priority attached to the project by An Garda Síochána in the context of its overall building programme.

Separate facilities have been provided for the Garda Water Unit in Athlone.