Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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288. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for the Garda station building in Knocknagree, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29919/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána District and Station Rationalisation Programme 2012 and 2013 gave rise to the closure of some 139 Garda stations, including Knocknagree Garda station, following the completion by An Garda Síochána of a comprehensive review of its district and station network. That review was undertaken with the objective of identifying opportunities to introduce strategic reforms to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency and streamline practices within the organisation.

I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the closures have allowed front line Garda to be managed and deployed with greater mobility, greater flexibility and in a more focused fashion, particularly with regard to targeted police operations. I am informed that the Knocknagree property was returned to the ownership of the Office of Public Works and, as the owner of the property, its future use is a matter for that Office.