PLEDGE FOR A NEW GARDA STATION
A site for a new Garda Station for Sligo will be revealed in three weeks according to Minister of State Kevin ‘ Boxer’ Moran.
The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief made the annouc-nement yesterday during a visit to Sligo.
Three sites were being looked at he said and while not revealing the identity of where they are he said he was giving a firm commitment that one would be chosen within three weeks,
Minister Moran told The Sligo Champion: “The present station in Sligo is overcrowded. The Gardaí currently workling there and the people of Sligo won’t have long more to wait, three to four weeks maximum, we’ll have a new green field site and we’ll get the show on the road.”
He also revealed that the OPW offices at Finisklin will be used as temporary accommodation until the new building close to town is built. It is believed the office to move to Finisklin from Pearse Road will be that of the Assistant Commissioner. This will free up badly need space at the station.
“We have three sites and I’m working on one preferred site with my department. The people of Sligo will be made aware in the next three to four weeks where it is and they’ll be very happy with it.” He paid tribute in particular to the work done by Deputy Tony McLoughlin in keeping the issue to the forefront of his department.
The minister said he was aware of the conditions in the station which has been branded as not fit for purpose by an independent engineer’s report.
“I’m giving a commitment today that in the next three to four weeks the new green field site will be there,” he said, adding that it was an issue which he had devoted a lot of time to and which was also one which was affecting other parts of the country.
“I issued a very strong letter to the Department of Justice a couple of weeks ago stating that I wasn’t happy at the slow pace in which the Garda Stations were being rolled out and I wasn’t happy either with some of the things being looked for to be put in the Garda Stations and likewise I’m not happy with my own department building monstrosities of Garda Stations. This is taxpayers money we are spending here. I believe we’ll build a Garda Station fit for purpose and move on. I have to deliver on a number of Garda Stations around the country and Sligo along with six more is on a priority list. I’m telling the people of Sligo today that I’ve very good news in what we are about to see in the next three to four weeks.”