Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government outlined the reopening on a pilot basis of six closed Garda stations in various parts of the country, including Rush Garda station in County Dublin. A brief of requirements for Rush Garda station was received from An Garda Síochána in early 2018. The OPW undertook an assessment of all stations identified in the pilot programme of stations reopening, based on the Garda brief of requirements received. The OPW undertook a technical survey of the station and building condition reports were completed. In April 2018, the OPW advised An Garda Síochána on the works required and the indicative costs involved.

In July 2018, the OPW received confirmation from the Department of Justice and Equality that funding was available and conveyed instructions to proceed with the implementation of the reopening of the six pilot Garda stations, including that in Rush. Following the procurement process, work on the site commenced in August 2019 and was due to be completed by the end of September 2019. The contract completion date was extended by agreement to 25 October 2019, due to delays in the delivery of installation of new external doors and windows.

In recent weeks, the ESB connection was reactivated. The works requirements were submitted to the ESB and are being scheduled in accordance with the ESB workload. It is hoped the execution of the works will take place in the near future. All other works have finished, and the handover of the building to An Garda Síochána will take place as soon as the ESB connection has been completed. The exact date for the opening of the station will be an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.