Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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75. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to provide funding for a new Garda station (details supplied) as committed to by a previous Government ten years ago. [41653/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware 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.  As Minister, I have no role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2008 a potential site for the development of a new Garda Station in the location referred to by the Deputy had been identified by the OPW. However, I have been informed that the site was not acquired.  I am further informed that in the circumstances that no alternative site was then available, An Garda Síochána requested the OPW to carry out alternative works, namely a modular extension and internal refurbishment, rewiring and accessibility works at the existing station in the location referred to by the Deputy.  These works were completed in mid-2010 at a cost of approximately €92,000. l am informed that in 2017, a further €11,850 was spent on additional minor works at the station in question.

Regarding the current position, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that a Health and Safety assessment has been carried out on the station in question by the Regional Safety Advisor and that local Garda management are currently examining the issues identified, with a view to prioritising works required at the station.