Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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259. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeline for the reopening of Stepaside Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26639/18]

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.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a pilot scheme to reopen 6 Garda stations, both urban and rural, to determine possible positive impacts that such openings will have on criminal activity, with special emphasis on burglaries, theft and public order.

The Garda Commissioner's final report on the matter, which is available on my Department's website, recommends that Stepaside Garda Station be reopened, along with stations in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, Ballinspittle, Co. Cork, Donard, Co. Wicklow, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow and Rush, Co. Dublin.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a brief of requirements was provided to the OPW in relation to the reopening of each of these 6 stations, including Stepaside Garda Station, and that the Garda authorities requested the OPW to undertake technical surveys to determine the works which would be required to enable the stations to reopen.

I understand that the OPW has concluded the necessary technical surveys and advised the Commissioner accordingly.  The Commissioner is currently considering the matter and has assured me that he will be reverting to the OPW shortly. 

It is not possible to say at this stage when the six stations will reopen as this depends on a number of factors, but my officials are engaging on an on-going basis with An Garda Síochána and the OPW as they progress these very important projects.