Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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932. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding provided for the building programme of An Garda Síochána under the 2016-2021 capital plan; and the amount spend in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020. [15278/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and control of An Garda Síochána and for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources. Further, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Works in relation to Garda accommodation are therefore progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW.

The overall purpose of the ongoing Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 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 programme is based on agreed Garda priorities and includes substantial works at over 30 locations nationwide as well as other works such as cell refurbishment at over 100 locations.

The scale of what is involved in this task should not be underestimated – as there are over 560 Garda stations nationwide, including a significant number of old buildings.

Good progress is being made in addressing issues in the Garda estate and indeed expanding it to cater for the ongoing growth in Garda members and staff.

Capital investment for the Garda Estate for 2020 is €32m. I have contacted An Garda Síochána in relation to the amounts expended on the estate for the years sought and will write directly to the Deputy when a response is available.