Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. 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.

Emyvale Station was largely destroyed following a fire which occurred in the early hours of 28 October 2019.

I am informed that the OPW and Garda authorities have identified that the former married quarters in Emyvale can meet the Garda operational accommodation requirements as an interim measure. I understand that the planning process to facilitate this was commenced earlier this year.

In terms of Garda resources in the area, the Deputy may wish to be aware that at end April 2020, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 103 Gardaí assigned to Monaghan District. This is an increase of 6% since end October 2019. I am further informed by Garda management that there will be no depletion of Garda resources in the Emyvale area during this period.