Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party)
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829. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if an assessment will be carried out on the need for the provision of a new Garda station in Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17337/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Garda Commissioner is the accounting officer for An Garda Síochána and is responsibile for the management and the administration of An Garda Síochána, including assessing the accommodation requirements of the Garda organisation. I as Minister have no role in these decisions.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána 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.

The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which was announced by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works on 21 October 2015 does not include the development of a new Garda station in Tallaght.

This programme includes the provision of a Divisional property store (PEMS) at Tallaght Garda Station, for which plans have been agreed with local management. The OPW are currently progressing the plans for this store in conjunction with local management.

The determination of the need for the development of a new Garda Station in the Tallaght area, or at any other location, will be considered in the context of the overall accommodation requirements arising from the ongoing expansion of the Garda workforce, A Policing Service for Our Futureand the implementation of the new Garda Operating Model, which will inform the accommodation priorities of An Garda Síochána over the years 2022-2030.

The locations to be addressed by way of capital investment will be specified when the Garda Capital Investment Programme 2022-2030 has been finalised and approved.