In the programme for Government, there is a commitment on the provision of resources for effective policing, including a capital plan which refers to new and refurbished Garda stations. It has been a number of years since plans were announced to build a brand new Garda station in Macroom. A new station is much needed. The current accommodation is inadequate not just for the gardaí to carry out their business, but also for the public, victims of crime and people who want to go to the Garda station, whether they have plucked up the courage to make a statement or whether they wish to meet gardaí for other reasons.

They need to know there will be an adequate building and facilities that will afford privacy and so on.

A site has been available for well over a year and the project is ready to proceed to planning and design. No progress has been made, however, because Macroom station is bound together with a number of others, including those in Clonmel and Sligo. Is it possible for the Macroom station project, which is well advanced, to be released from that bind so that it may proceed to planning and design?

The Minister for Justice and Equality visited Clonmel Garda station, which I appreciate, when he went to the town to participate at a think-tank. The conditions in Clonmel station, for both gardaí and the public, are appalling. We have had announcement after announcement that work on the building would commence but, as is the case with Macroom station, there is a hold-up because of the bundling with Sligo. Will the Minister ensure work commences on the four stations in this bundle? Clonmel is the largest inland town in the country but its Garda station is more suited to Cromwellian times. It is unfair to expect gardaí to work in such a hovel or the public to use it. I ask the Minister and the Taoiseach to put their shoulders to the wheel to get these projects off the ground and at least progressed to tender.

I acknowledge the need for new Garda stations at Macroom and Clonmel. It is my intention to have both projects commence at the earliest possible opportunity next year. There are some outstanding conveyancing issues with this bundle of stations, but I expect them to be dealt with in the coming weeks. My intention is that the next bundle of Garda stations will commence construction in the course of 2018 under a public private partnership arrangement.