Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to ensure the funding that has been allocated for the necessary upgrading of Ballinasloe Garda station is ring-fenced for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47181/17]

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

The Deputy will be aware of the significant efforts being made by Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and of the major investment that has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises (including €18 million to support the Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme), the Garda fleet and Garda ICT infrastructure.

The Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which is an ambitious 5 year Programme that will benefit over thirty locations around the country, provides for refurbishment works to Ballinasloe Garda station, including a new public office and custody management facility. The Programme is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána and the Garda authorities are working in close cooperation with the OPW to deliver the projects.