Minister for Justice & Equality Charlie Flanagan visits Ballinasloe Garda Station to view €1.6 Million Works - HOPKINS

​Minister for Justice & Equality, Charlie Flanagan T.D. visited Ballinasloe Garda Station on Monday May 14th to see at first hand the €1.6 million refurbishment and extension works which are ongoing at the station at the invitation of Senator Maura Hopkins.
 
Senator Hopkins stated, “It is very positive to see that works to upgrade the Ballinasloe Garda Station are now well underway. This project involves the demolition of the existing cell block and the construction of a new cell block, a new prisoner processing area, the refurbishment of the public office, upgrade of the heating system and the incorporation of the adjacent building to increase the capacity for the station.”
 
“The OPW advise that the completion date for the project will be October this year. This modern and fit for purpose facility when completed will help Gardai based in Ballinasloe to carry out their work with maximum efficiency on behalf of the public".
 
"There are 57 Gardaí in the Ballinasloe District, which includes Ballinasloe, Ahascragh, Ballygar, Mountbellew, Kiltormer, Kilconnell, Moylough and Creggs. Given this large geographical area, it is imperative that more gardai would be assigned to the district and this was discussed with Minister Flanagan during his visit.  There has been a significant investment in vehicles in recent years and at present the district has 7 vehicles.
 
Minister Flanagan said, “I have been aware of the need for investment in Ballinasloe Garda station for many years since my time as party Justice Spokesperson a number of years ago. I was very pleased that my colleague the former Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. provided funding for these works in late 2015.”
 
“Senator Maura Hopkins has raised the need for the commencement of these works on several occasions over the past year since my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, it is positive that the project is now well underway.”
 
Minister Flanagan also stated "I want to compliment the gardai in this district for the excellent work that they do on a daily basis.  I want to particularly note their involvement in Operation Thor which is focussed on tackling rural and organised crime.  It is also excellent that members of the Gardai are working closely with local communities on crime prevention measures." 
 
Senator Hopkins concluded, “I will continue to work closely with Minister Flanagan to ensure that further Gardaí are allocated to the Ballinasloe district to serve the needs of people locally."