8. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of the proposed new Garda station for Northern Cross in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10080/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I did not find the answers earlier on estimated levels of service convincing ar chor ar bith. I have a briefing tomorrow and I look forward to that. When the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, has responsibility for the OPW in 2019, a site was identified for a new Garda station at Northern Cross. It was announced that a new station would be provided. Seven years later, however, there is no sign of that Garda station. In replies to parliamentary questions last year, the Minister of State referred to needing to identify a site when one was identified seven years ago and was in the pipeline for years before that. Does he have an update on this matter? Ba mhaith liom freagra ceart.

Sentiment score: 0.02

I welcome the indication that the station will be constructed in 2028. What I am struggling with are the references to identifying a site, particularly when a site was announced in 2019 when he had responsibility for the OPW. How is that seven years after this project was announced – and there were senior Ministers from the Government out announcing it at Northern Cross – the Minister of State is still talking about identifying a site? The announcement was made by the Government before last at a time when he was Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW.

Sentiment score: 0.01

The situation is that the money is there and the Department is committed to building the station in 2028. A site was identified and announced by the Government in 2019 when the Minister of State had responsibility for the OPW. He is still talking about identifying a site when he previously identified such a site seven years ago. I do not understand this. How is it the case that, seven years later, we appear to be going backwards? The Minister of State is still talking about identifying a site. A site was announced by the Government before last when he had responsibility for the OPW. Can he explain to the community in Northern Cross, which desperately needs this new Garda station, what is happening? There has been huge development in recent years in Clongriffin and Belmane and a corresponding increase in population. Why is he referring to identifying a site when one was identified seven years ago and an announcement that a new Garda station would be built there was made?

Sentiment score: 0.04