Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the provision of the new regional Garda headquarters in Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24343/17]

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. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

The Deputy will recall that the Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 includes the development of a new Garda Headquarters at Sligo and 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.

In this context, I understand that, following the placement of a local advertisement in January 2017, a number of suitable sites for the development have been identified by the Office of Public Works following consultation with An Garda Síochána.

Pending the development of the new station, local Garda management and the Office of Public Works have been actively engaged in developing proposals to improve the accommodation situation in the existing station, including relocating certain functions outside the station. In particular, An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works have been working closely to reconfigure the existing station to meet the needs of front line operational personnel and address space or health and safety concerns.

I also understand that short-term measures have been taken to address and improve the accommodation situation at the station; for example, works to fully refurbish the toilets above the public office were completed in late July 2016 and a new industrial standard kitchen facility has been installed.