asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that there is strong objection to the site chosen for the new Garda station at Rathdrum, County Wicklow, on the ground that it is most unsuitable, being a half mile from the town centre and completely isolated from it; and that its situation will, therefore, cause inconvenience to the public and to the Gardaí; and if, in the circumstances, he will reconsider the matter with a view to selecting a more suitable and convenient site.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance has informed me that since 1946 his office has been endeavouring to secure a suitable site for the erection of a new Garda station at this centre, and that of the several sites examined the site which has been chosen is the one most suited to meet requirements.

The position is that the Gardaí are committed to vacating the existing station premises in the near future and there is no acceptable alternative to the course now being taken with regard to the provision of new premises.

I should like to support the plea made in the question. Here we have an isolated place, convenient to a railway station which was closed down recently. In it there are a couple of excellent sites. The people there have been waiting for 20 years and I feel quite sure they are prepared to wait for another year or two in order that proper inquiries may be made on the availability of a site.

My information is that the prospects of securing a site in the town of Rathdrum are remote.

If particulars of two sites are sent to the Minister, will he consider them?

I certainly shall. However, it is not a question of the people waiting for a station but one of providing proper accommodation for the Gardaí. They will have to vacate their existing premises in the very near future.