Paul Donnelly
Question:158. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made in the past six months regarding the new Garda dog training centre. [39244/24]
View answerWednesday, 2 October 2024
Questions (158)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including the addition of new facilities to the Garda estate. Works on the Garda estate are carried out in close cooperation between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Garda management.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to Keep People Safe. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.48 billion in Budget 2025. This represents a 27% increase in funding since 2020.
I have also secured additional capital funding of €93 million under the National Development Plan (NDP) for Justice projects in 2024 to 2026. This brings the total capital allocation available for the Justice sector between now and 2026 to €930 million.
Under the NDP, the Government is committed to investing significant levels of capital funding into An Garda Síochána. This increase in funding, along with the additional funding as part of Budget 2025, will allow for the delivery of a Garda station modernisation and refurbishment programme; to delivering strategic ICT and digitalisation projects; and to providing a modern, fit for purpose Garda fleet.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Estate Management Office in An Garda Síochána is working closely with the OPW and all relevant stakeholders on the project outlined by the Deputy. I am advised that work for the provision of a National Centre of Excellence for the Garda Dog Unit is at project design stage at this time. It is, therefore, not yet possible to provide additional details at this time.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Dog Unit is currently based at Kilmainham Garda Station, in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. It has a national remit under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime and the strategic control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services and the Operational control of Superintendent, Operational Support Services.