Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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114. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the long-term plan for Sundrive Garda station, Dublin 12. [26022/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, 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.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021 is an ambitious 5 year building Programme reflecting the priorities of An Garda Síochána, which will benefit some 30 locations throughout the State. I am informed by the Garda authorities that Sundrive Road Garda Station is not included in the Garda Station Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021.

I am, however, informed that, in addition to the Programme, An Garda Síochána seeks where possible to address minor accommodation issues at Garda stations as they arise. In that context and on foot of requests from local management at Sundrive Road Garda Station, I am informed that works have been carried out in order to provide fully serviced storage facilities at the station; and that further works have been sanctioned in respect of the refurbishment of specific areas of the station to enhance the working conditions and to allow for additional personnel.

Other than these works, I am informed that local management at the station has requested additional works, which are under consideration between An Garda Síochána and the OPW having regard to the funding available for maintenance of the totality of Garda accommodation requirements nationwide.

More generally, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the dispersal and use of resources available to An Garda Síochána in the delivery of policing services to local communities and the appropriate structures and management arrangements for delivery of these services is under consideration by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland respectively. Both bodies are expected to report later this year.