Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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600. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality for details of the proposed refurbishment of the Bridewell Garda station in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38359/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 which I announced recently with my colleague the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works is based on agreed priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The Bridewell Garda Station is one of over thirty locations around the country will benefit from the Programme which includes major refurbishment of stations/facilities including facilities for meeting victims of crime; essential remedial works to existing stations; development of large scale property and exhibit management stores and the upgrade of cells and provision of improved custody management facilities. The Programme will be delivered by the Garda Authorities in cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW) which has responsibility for capital expenditure in this area.

I am advised by the OPW that the works required to the Bridewell Garda Station will be carried out in a number of phases over a two year period. Work underway at present involves the significant upgrading of cell accommodation. This is expected to be completed in 2016 and will be followed by other necessary works that will improve the quality and operational capacity of the building, including measures that will ensure compliance with current building regulations. Further phases will involve the installation of new lifts and other interventions aimed at improving universal access to the building.