Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the holding cells in Sligo regional Garda station headquarters in Sligo town are now no longer being used by Gardaí in Sligo due to health and safety concerns; her views on whether there is now an urgent need for this station to be replaced; the progress to date for the development of the new Garda station in Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1785/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works has primary responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation and works closely with the Garda authorities in this regard and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

The Deputy will recall the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 includes the development of a new Regional/Divisional Headquarters at Sligo and, in this context, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Office of Public Works is making arrangements for the acquisition of a suitable site for the proposed development.

Pending the development of the new station, local Garda management and the Office of Public Works are actively engaged in developing proposals to improve the accommodation situation in the existing Garda station, including dealing with issues in the custody area. I am assured that, within every Garda Division, there are adequate custody facilities to meet legal standards.