Written answers

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Stations

Photo of Marian HarkinMarian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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575. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 337 to 339, inclusive, of 30 June 2020, if a comparative assessment has been carried on the cost of a full refurbishment of Sligo Garda station compared with the cost of a new build on the site already purchased for this purpose which was not addressed in the reply. [16590/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.

As part of the implementation of the new Operating Model, the need for a new station in Sligo has been reviewed by An Garda Síochána and, further to that review, the Commissioner has determined that a new Garda Station in Sligo is no longer justified.

In relation to a comparative assessment on refurbishing the existing Station relative to the provision of a new Garda Station, I have been informed that the rationale for the decision not to proceed with a new Station in Sligo was based on the changed status of Sligo under the new Garda Operating Model, as referred to above.

Nonetheless, as outlined in the replies mentioned by the Deputy, the Garda Commissioner is very conscious of the need to provide fit for purpose facilities for Garda members and staff based at Sligo Garda station and it is the intention of An Garda Síochána to continue to work with the OPW to ensure Gardaí operating in Sligo town have a station facility that will be fully fit for purpose.

In this context, it is envisaged that that the refurbished Garda Station in Sligo will fully reflect the functional requirements under the new Operating Model for the Donegal/Sligo/Leitrim Division in order to support the delivery of policing services for the town and community of Sligo and for all Garda personnel based in Sligo.

The expenditures by the OPW Property Maintenance on Sligo Garda Station from 2017 is as follows:

Year OPW Funded Garda Funded Total
2017 €58,163 €199 €58,362
2018 €76,946 €39,171 €116,117
2019 €291,528 €419,566 €711,094
2020 €142,781 €494 €143,275

As outlined in the reply of 30 June, Property Maintenance are on site in Sligo Garda Station working on the cell upgrade (the balance to pay on this project is approximately €1.3m) and Property Maintenance are also currently preparing a tender package to provide facilities for a Scene of Crimes unit.

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