Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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234. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of complaints regarding infestations of vermin in Garda stations in Glanmire and Macroom, County Cork; her views on the health and safety risks to the public, as a result; and her plans to renovate these stations. [19311/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that administrative measures are in place to deal with a range of accommodation issues including instances of vermin infestation in Garda stations.

These measures are designed to ensure that such matters are dealt with promptly. Where instances of infestation are identified to local Garda management they advise Garda Housing Division. One of the following options is then pursued:

- Local management are authorised to contact a local pest control company to deal with the matter

- Local Management contact the OPW maintenance helpline who then arrange for a pest control company to deal with the infestation.

In that context I am advised that there have been two instances of vermin infestation in Macroom within the last year, both of which were dealt with by a pest control company. I am further advised that there have been no instances of vermin infestation in Glanmire in 2014/2015.

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is based on requirements which are established by An Garda Síochána. This programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Provision for expenditure on capital projects, including the provision of Garda accommodation, is provided for in the Vote of the Office of Public Works.

In that context, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase of a site for the provision of a new Garda station in Macroom has recently been completed.

With regard to Glanmire, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the purchase of a premises for a new Garda station is currently the subject of legal proceedings. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide any further information in relation to this matter.

An Garda Síochána has requested the OPW to bring forward proposals to improve the accommodation situation at Glanmire in the immediate term pending the outcome of the High Court proceedings in relation to the site acquisition at the premises at Glanmire Industrial Estate.

The provision of a new Garda station at Macroom and Glanmire will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána’s identified accommodation priorities and the availability of funding within the Vote of the OPW.