Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that confirmation. The Minister said he hopes this is good news for the Garda in Clonmel and I can tell him straight that it is hugely good news. I was speaking to the superintendent there and he has confirmed his team in Clonmel of this and they are overwhelmed and thrilled that this is happening. It has been a long time coming but we have got there in the end. This could not have happened without the intervention of the Minister, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Deputy Donohoe. I sincerely thank them for prioritising Clonmel and its Garda station, which was important.

The project is being funded by the Exchequer and the only reason that could be done is that the economy is strong. That is due to funding we are getting in from tax measures, which is based on decisions the Government has made. It would not have happened only for that and we would not be in a space where we are able to fund this otherwise, which is significant. To get the green light today is a major achievement for the people of Clonmel and it is a huge recognition of the importance of that Garda station and it will make it complete. I look forward to ground being broken on it in 2024, and I thank the Minister for his personal interest in this in recent months. I am grateful for that.