Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
676. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the year in which his Department was made aware of the review of asbestos surveys of Garda buildings by the Office of Public Works, An Garda Síochána and State Claims Agency. [34519/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to say at the outset that under both the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the recently commenced Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. It is also worth noting that the Garda estate is provided and managed by the Office of Public Works. Neither I nor my Department have any role in these matters.
For the information of the Deputy, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works (OPW).
In late 2016, the State Claims Agency (SCA) completed a Review of Asbestos Surveys of Garda Buildings. The Review prioritised 12 stations that the OPW, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, needed to address. I am informed that there is no record of this Review having been provided to the Department of Justice at that time.
The OPW re-surveyed the 12 Garda Stations in early 2017 and was satisfied that works to remove asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were not necessary at that time. In all 12 cases there were either no ACMs detected, they had already been removed, or they were given a status of “manage in situ”, to be removed if works were planned that would disturb the ACMs.
I understand that this approach is consistent with appropriate ACM management and practice. ACMs are often managed in situ and only removed if they are damaged, deteriorated, or going to be disturbed by any planned refurbishment works.
Where such refurbishment works are to be undertaken, an asbestos removal specification is prepared by an asbestos consultant. Removal is completed in a controlled environment, with subsequent air quality testing carried out to ensure the building can be safely reoccupied. This is a certified process.
The Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána regularly engage on matters regarding Garda accommodation. This includes issues relating to the age profile of the Garda estate, as highlighted by the Policing Authority in its 5th Report on Changing Policing in Ireland from 2018. This report referred to remedial works, including the removal of asbestos and radon, being carried out on older stations.
As the Deputy is aware, Santry Garda Station was closed on 30 January due to concerns relating to asbestos and was subsequently reopened on 5 February on confirmation that the building was safe for occupation.
