Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to provide funding for a new Garda station in Carndonagh, County Donegal; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4172/19]

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, and 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.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities.  It is an ambitious 5-year programme, which continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country. The programme includes over €60 million of Exchequer funding as well as a major Public Private Partnership (PPP), with the goal of addressing deficiencies in the Garda estate and providing fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Programme does not include the development of a new Garda station in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal.  The programme does however include the refurbishment and extension of Donegal Town Garda Station.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the need for building works or new stations are considered by An Garda Síochána in the context of the overall accommodation requirements nationwide, having regard to the expansion of the Garda workforce and in the context of the ongoing reform process.