Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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149. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to re-open Fitzgibbon Street Garda station in Dublin 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27995/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is progressed by the Garda Authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, who have the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that following OPW advice regarding the condition of the station it was deemed necessary to vacate Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station on a temporary basis to facilitate refurbishment works. The OPW subsequently refurbished the former Prison Officers Quarters at Mountjoy Prison and the adjacent Mountjoy Garda Station so that Gardaí attached to both Mountjoy and Fitzgibbon Street could operate efficiently and effectively on a temporary basis from this location. In addition, a building adjacent to Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station was identified as suitable for a Garda Office and following some refurbishment now operates as a temporary public office.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that they are examining the possibility of locating a Garda District Headquarters at Fitzgibbon Street. The formulation of such proposals is a matter, in the first instance, for the Garda Commissioner and will be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation priorities and in the light of available resources within the Vote of the Office of Public Works.