Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick O’Donovan has asked the Government to prioritise the refurbishment of Newcastle West Garda Station. Patrick O’Donovan raised the matter with the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald TD and with the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Simon Harris TD.
Responding to a question raised by Deputy O’Donovan, Simon Harris said that his department had received a request from An Garda Síochána to carry out works in Newcastle West. he said that preliminary designs had been signed off by An Garda Síochána and told Patrick O’Donovan that the issue was now under consideration.
Patrick O’Donovan said that the station was under increased pressure given the amalgamation of Garda districts in West Limerick and he said that this needed to be taken into consideration by the Garda Authorities and the Office of Public Works in the allocation of their capital budget.
The Limerick TD has asked Minister Harris to visit the Garda Station in Newcastle West to see for himself the conditions that are there. Simon Harris has said he will visit Newcastle West in the near future and has agreed to visit the station. Patrick O’Donovan said he intends to raise the issue again in the Dail with both Ministers.