Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to the building of a new Garda station in Ongar, Dublin 15 given the increased population in the area. [40735/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters and the deployment of resources. As Minister, I have no role in these matters. I am assured, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

The programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the OPW, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021 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 objective 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.

I am informed that the current Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme does not include the development of a new Garda station in Ongar, Co. Dublin.

An Garda Síochána will give consideration to the need for new Garda Stations, in Ongar and for other locations, in the context of the overall accommodation requirements arising from the ongoing expansion of the Garda workforce, the policing reform plan A Policing Service For Our Future, and the implementation of the new Garda operating model which will inform the overall accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána over the years 2022-2026.