Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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236. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if refurbishment works have commenced on Portlaoise Garda station; the duration of such works; and the estimated cost of such works. [23094/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the proposed redevelopment works for a Divisional Garda Headquarters Station at Portlaoise, which is being designed by the Office of Public Works, Major Projects, I am pleased to confirm that the Commissioners of Public Works have recently approved the proposed scheme, subject to standard planning conditions.

A design team has been put in place and work has commenced on the detailed design phase of this large scale capital works project. It is expected that planned site investigations and further investigative survey work on the historic fabric can now commence with the lifting of the current Covid-19 restrictions.

This complex project will involve the extension and refurbishment of the existing Garda Station and custody suite, along with the provision of additional accommodation for An Garda Síochána on the adjacent site currently occupied by the Department of Defence. Work is also ongoing with regards new accommodation for the Department of Defence on a separate site.

Prior to commencing construction works, OPW, An Garda Síochána and Garda Estate Management will discuss and review the phasing and decanting options for the project. Following the detailed design and procurement process, it is expected that a project of this scale will take between 24 and 36 months to construct.

The total project budget is estimated to be in the region of €25m.