Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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303. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Cabinet approval for the reopening of the Garda station at Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, the timeframe for works needed to bring the station back into operation; the resources that will be available to operate the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30103/17]

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, and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

The Deputy will be aware that, on 24 June 2016, the Government authorised the then Minister to request the Garda Commissioner, while fully cognisant of her statutory functions, to identify 6 stations for reopening on a pilot basis to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

On 13 June 2017, the Government considered the second interim report of the Garda Commisisoner in relation to the exercise. The Commissioner, has indicated that, amongst other things, she is likely, subject to further analysis, to recommend the reopening of Leighlinbridge station in her final report.

Following any decision to reopen the former station, the Garda authorities will work closely with the Office of Public Works in relation to any necessary preparatory works required to progress the reopening. The question of the allocation of Garda personnel to the station will be a matter for the Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of Garda resources among the various Garda Divisions.