Written answers

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Divisional Headquarters

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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959. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the provision of new Garda divisional headquarters in Kevin Street and Galway; the estimated cost of their delivery; when they will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15982/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that the new Garda divisional headquarters in Galway and Kevin Street have both been completed and handed over to An Garda Síochána.

I am informed by the OPW that Kevin Street Garda HQ was completed, occupied and operational in spring 2018. The final account was recently agreed for a sum of €31.51m ex VAT. The final account covers the building cost plus full fit out, including specialist areas, excluding only loose furniture.

I am further informed that the Galway Regional HQ was built, occupied and operational in the same time period but that the final account has not yet been agreed

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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960. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the provision of the replacement of the Harcourt Square complex; the estimated cost of delivery; when the new complex will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15983/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen 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.

In anticipation of the need to vacate Harcourt Square, the OPW determined, in consultation with An Garda Síochána, that a replacement specialist complex should be constructed that would be purpose-designed, meet Garda requirements, and remain in State ownership. A site identification and selection process was undertaken in 2015, and a preferred state-owned site at Military Road in Dublin 8 was selected.

Work commenced on site on 2 March 2020 with building works expected to be complete within 30 months, upon which it would be handed over to An Garda Síochána to fit out the necessary ICT and furniture requirements. The OPW advises An Garda Síochána that the contract value is €68.8m ex. VAT. While there is a total project budget for this development, the OPW advises that it does not supply details of the total project budget as this figure includes information related to the contingency sum for the project, which would be a commercially sensitive matter.

Similar to most building projects in the State, the Military Road site was closed on 28th March 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Further to the Government announcement of 1st May in relation to the phased return of construction work, the OPW has advised that the site reopened and construction work recommenced on 18th May 2020.

Military Road will not accommodate all Garda Bureaus based at Harcourt Square and OPW is currently working with An Garda Síochána to provide additional accommodation to meet all Garda accommodation requirements arising from the need to vacate Harcourt Square.

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