Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I wish to thank the Deputy for his question regarding Mullingar Garda Station and any plans that the Office of Public Works has for extending the current station.

The Office of Public Works, together with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána are working closely in delivering the Government approved current Garda Capital Investment Plan 2023-2030

Mullingar Garda Station is not at this time listed on the Garda Capital Investment Plan, the Garda Capital Investment Plan remains under constant review throughout its lifetime and depending on the operational needs of An Garda Síochána and the implementation of the new Garda operating model, there can be amendments made to the plan.

It should be noted that Under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration An Garda Síochána, which includes the maintenance of the Garda estate, which is progressed in close cooperation with the OPW.

The Office of Public Works also provides a full maintenance service at all twelve Garda Stations in County Westmeath to the highest standards possible bearing in mind the availability of funding and priorities agreed with An Garda Síochána.

In July 2022 the refurbished Garda District Headquarters at Barrack Street in Athlone, Co Westmeath was opened by the Minister for Justice and Equality and myself as Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works.