18. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the projects under way in Counties Sligo and Leitrim that are receiving funding under different schemes with financial support from his Department; the other projects that his Department has committed funding to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68271/25]

Sentiment score: 0.20

86. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the actions he is taking in response to increased incidents and thefts in the north west; the way in which his Department is supporting An Garda Síochána, who do excellent work locally, in providing increased visibility and resources to respond to these incidents; his views on whether the Sligo-Leitrim division is not receiving enough gardaí, given no new gardaí have been allocated to the division from the latest round of training in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68267/25]

Sentiment score: 0.17

Earlier this year, Sligo Garda station was identified as one of several stations that experienced crime rates above pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with theft accounting for nearly one third of all incidents. It is imperative that we shine a spotlight on rural crime and the emerging trends in the north-west. In Donegal and Sligo, there has been a marked rise in theft and arson, leaving communities anxious and unsettled. County Leitrim has witnessed an increase in burglaries. Only last Friday, a property was broken into in broad daylight at 1 p.m., which is a stark reminder of the growing boldness of criminal activity. The Minister of State said 194 gardaí and 17 reserves were sworn in last month, but none of those were assigned to the Sligo-Leitrim Garda division. It is a continuing pattern. More gardaí should be assigned to that area, when we consider the crime statistics.

Sentiment score: -0.29

While I have the opportunity, I wish to extend an invitation to the Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, to visit Sligo Garda station to witness first-hand the current working conditions, and to address the ongoing staffing shortages. The proposed Garda division headquarters at Caltragh has faced repeated delays, stemming from earlier plans to merge the Sligo-Leitrim division with Donegal. The existing station at Pearse Road is not fit for the future needs of An Garda Síochána in the region. The OPW has confirmed refurbishment works for a vacant State-owned building adjacent to the current station in Tubbercurry. We urgently need clarification on when this building will be occupied. It is a matter of critical importance for both community safety and public confidence. The existing station, dating back to the 1960s, is wholly unfit for purpose. Tubbercurry Garda station is the third busiest station in the Sligo-Leitrim division. It requires facilities that meet the demands of a modern, functioning Garda station, yet the current building falls far short of that. There is a State-owned building. I know plans are afoot to move the Garda station into the newly refurbished building. When can that go to planning, if it needs planning? When will the new station be opened?

Sentiment score: 0.09