Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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250. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an application by a person (details supplied) for additional space in Mullingar Garda station will be approved. [32079/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, 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 (OPW). As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.

There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. Considerable efforts are being made by the Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and major investment has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises.

The Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is an ambitious 5-year programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, that will benefit over thirty locations around the country. It includes over €60 million of Exchequer funding as part of Government’s Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 as well as a major Public Private Partnership project.  This is in addition to the provision of over €100 million for the development of 3 new Divisional and Regional Headquarters at Wexford, Galway and Dublin (Kevin Street).

The provision of additional accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station is included in the Building and Refurbishment Programme.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as an initial measure to improve the accommodation at Mullingar Garda Station, a new facility was in 2017 provided for the Divisional Scenes of Crime Office comprising office facilities, an examination room and suitable storage facilities.

I am further informed that, on the basis of detailed discussions between the OPW and An Garda Síochána, the OPW is currently developing proposals to address outstanding accommodation issues at the station, as identified by the Divisional Officer.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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251. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an application for necessary remedial works on Castlepollard Garda station will be approved. [32081/18]

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.

There has been very significant investment in Garda resources across the State in recent years. Considerable efforts are being made by the Government to enhance the working environment generally for members of An Garda Síochána and major investment has been committed under the Capital Plan 2016-2021 to upgrade Garda premises.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021 is an ambitious 5-year building programme, based on agreed Garda priorities, which will benefit some 30 locations throughout the State.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that Castlepollard Garda Station is not included in the stations to be refurbished under the Building and Refurbishment Programme.

However, in addition to the Programme, I am informed An Garda Síochána seeks where possible to address minor accommodation issues at Garda stations as they arise. In that context, I understand that An Garda Síochána is liaising with OPW in relation to the possibility of addressing certain issues at Castlepollard station, having regard to the funding available for the totality of Garda accommodation requirements.