106 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Finance the reason no progress has been made by the Office of Public Works on Castleisland Garda Station, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3233/07]

Significant progress has been made by the Office of Public Works in providing a new Garda station at Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

A sketch scheme for the new Garda Area Headquarters was sent to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Authorities on January 15th 2007. On receipt of approval to the sketch scheme a Part 9 planning process will be initiated soon thereafter. Assuming approval is obtained to the Part 9 planning process it is expected that tenders will be invited and a contract placed by autumn of 2007.