Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Major investment is being made in the Garda estate, to provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff, as well as the public interacting with them. This is a significant undertaking, as there are over 560 stations nationwide.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As a result, all works to the Garda estate involve close cooperation between the OPW and the Garda authorities.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 is based on agreed Garda priorities. It continues to benefit over 30 locations around the country and is underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes. In addition, other major ongoing works to the Garda estate include the development of a new facility at Military Road and the major refurbishment of Fitzgibbon Street station as well as the Pilot Garda station reopening project.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 does not include the re-development or refurbishment of the Garda immigration facility at Rosslare Harbour.

However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that consideration is being given to the redevelopment of the Garda Immigration Facility in Rosslare Harbour. I am informed that An Garda Síochána and the OPW have visited the facility and that Gardaí are preparing a brief of requirements, for submission to the OPW, which would then be responsible for the development of proposals for a replacement facility. While this process is continuing, it is not possible to identify a timeline at this stage, where there is no detailed or agreed design or estimate of costs for any possible replacement facility.