Works to begin on new garda headquarters in Limerick town
WORKS to build a new garda headquarters in Newcastle West are due to begin later this year, it has been confirmed.
Following planning approval from the local authority, and after years of uncertainty, the Office of Public Works says construction of the new three-storey garda station will begin “after the summer of this year”.
The new station will be located on the site of the previous garda station which closed in August 2020.
It will also operate as the new headquarters for Community Engagement in County Limerick as per the new Garda operating model which was rolled out in the Limerick garda division last September.
The previous garda station, at Churchtown Road on the outskirts of Newcastle West, was previously deemed unfit from a health and safety perspective - not only to gardaí, but to the public.
Commenting on the progress of the project, Minister of State at the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to see progress on this programme of planned construction for a new purpose-built area headquarters in Newcastle West which when completed will enhance the garda presence in the town while facilitating the policing infrastructure capacity for the region and the surrounding areas.”
When complete, the new garda station will consist of a three-storey building, totalling 1,151 square metres, on a site of circa 0.1651 hectares.
It will include a custody suite and will provide the operational, functional and accommodation requirements demanded by the new garda operational model.
Commenting during a visit to the site last September, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee commented: “The construction of a new garda station is such an important development for policing in Newcastle West and the wider area. Once completed, the station will provide a modern fit-for-purpose facility for garda members and staff, further enhancing the service provided to the local communities”.
According to the OPW, “the new Model will see more front-line Gardaí, a stronger focus on community policing, and a wide-range of policing services delivered locally.”
This time last year the plans to develop the station had "gone back to the drawing board", but it has now been announced that the works will go ahead later this year.