Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
306. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the details of all refurbishment or expansion planned for Garda training college in the next five years including projected costs, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36955/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all decisions related to the upgrade of the Garda Estate. Works on the Estate are undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in cooperation with the Garda Authorities. This includes planning and completion matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2023-2030 was developed following detailed engagement between An Garda Síochána, the OPW and my Department. This Programme identifies a series of estate projects reflecting Garda priorities and emerging needs. The provision of upgraded, refurbished and additional contemporary Garda facilities nationwide is included in this Programme. A number of these Capital projects are at various stages of development and are being delivered in conjunction with the OPW.
Following the formation of the current Government this year, a review of the National Development Plan (NDP) is required. In that context, a review of the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2025-2035 is now ongoing, having regard to the current, medium- and long-term needs of An Garda Síochána.
More specifically, An Garda Síochána, with OPW, are considering options to expand the capacity of the Garda College in Templemore so that higher numbers can be trained each year, in order to meet the Programme For Government commitment to recruit at least 5,000 new Gardaí. This work is at an early stage and is still being scoped.
I am aware that there are current plans to carry out significant refurbishment to the roof at the Garda College. This project is currently in the tender assessment stage.
