Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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216. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the progress on the construction of a new Garda regional and divisional headquarters in Galway city; the date on which it will be operational; the timeframe between the first gardaí moving in and the building being fully operational; the cost of the new facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33354/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the construction of the new Regional and Divisional Headquarters for Galway, on a site in Murrough, commenced in October 2015 and it is anticipated, at this point, that the project will be completed in early 2018.

Garda management are liaising with the OPW on an ongoing basis in relation to the hand-over of the new premises for use by An Garda Síochána with a view to the station being operational as close to the completion date as possible. The cost of the new building will be in the region of €25 million excluding VAT and contingency.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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217. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí that will be assigned to the new regional and divisional headquarters in Galway city, by rank and including civilian staff; the number of extra gardaí of all ranks that will be based in the city once the new headquarters and the existing station at Mill Street are operational. [33355/17]

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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218. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the functions that will be carried out from the existing Mill Street station in Galway city once the new regional and divisional headquarters opens; the number of gardaí and other staff that will be based there; the future opening times of the existing station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33356/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

As the Deputy will be aware 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 (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. The Garda Commissioner has responsibility for the day to day operation of An Garda Síochána and the allocation of personnel and resources and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.

I have, however, been advised by the Garda authorities that the construction of the new regional and divisional headquarters is progressing well and it is anticipated that the project will be completed in Q4 2017. Garda management will be making arrangements with the OPW in relation to the hand over of the new Garda station with a view to the new station being operational as close to the completion date as possible.

I have been further advised by the Garda authorities that Mill Street Garda station will be retained as a fully functioning District Headquarters when the new premises are completed. While it is not possible at this time to indicate the specific nature of the resources that will operate from Mill Street, local senior Garda management will ensure that an effective policing service will be provided in the area.