Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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476. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding providing a new Garda station in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [6506/20]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that 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 programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. 

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and benefits over 30 locations around the country, underpinned by significant Exchequer funding across the Garda and OPW Votes.  The goal of this investment is to address deficiencies in the Garda estate and provide fit-for-purpose facilities for Garda members and staff as well as the public interacting with them.

The ongoing Building and Refurbishment Programme includes provision for the development of a new Garda Station in Clonmel, Co Tipperary.  As the Deputy may be aware, it is intended for the Garda station in Clonmel is to be provided by way of a public private partnership (PPP) project, including also a new station at Macroom, Co Cork.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects are progressed under the auspices of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).  My Department, An Garda Síochána, the OPW and the NDFA are working closely in order to progress this PPP.

I am informed that, in advance of the delivery of the new Garda Station in Clonmel, An Garda Síochána is liaising with the OPW in order to improve working conditions at the station and to meet current Garda operational needs in that regard. 

I understand that an office space close to the station has been refurbished to provide necessary space for operational use; and further that the cells and the prisoner processing/reception areas have been upgraded, that the staff kitchen has been refurbished and that  female locker rooms have been created.  I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is engaging with the OPW on an ongoing basis in connection with additional upgrade works at the existing station for the benefit of both Garda personnel and the community served by that station.