Written answers

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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115. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the proposed development of the new Garda station in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60253/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I want to thank the Deputy for his question regarding Portlaoise Garda Station. The designation of Portlaoise as the location for the Divisional HQ for the Laois/Offaly/Kildare Division has placed greater importance on this project being delivered.

The Portlaoise Garda Station project will meet all the operational, functional and accommodation requirements demanded by the new Garda operating model. To accommodate all the brief requirements the following developments are required; refurbishment of the existing building, a 2 & 3 storey extension and a new significant new building on the rear site. The construction of a building at the rear of Portlaoise Garda Station is integral to the effective redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda station to meet Garda requirements and has increased the total size of accommodation to be provided by 30%.

The site to the rear of the existing Garda station is currently occupied by the Defence Forces who are to be relocated from the rear site to the new identified site closer to the Midlands Prison. Tenders have been returned for these works and are currently being assessed. On completion of this, a contract for the building works will be placed. Works are expected to commence on site in Q1 2023. The delivery of the new Defence Force building will not delay the placing of the main contract works for the redevelopment of the Portlaoise Garda Station. The construction works are expected to be completed in 10 months.

The tender documentation for Enabling Works to the existing Garda Station was issued in Q4. The Enabling Works include conservation works to the historic wall and demolition works to modern structures attached to the historic wall. These works will help de-risk the delivery of the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station. Tenders are being assessed and OPW anticipate works will start on site in Q1 2023.

The tender documents for the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station are being finalised and subject to Approving Authority Approval, OPW expect to go to tender in Q1 2023. The estimated construction time on the main Garda Project is 144 weeks.

An option appraisal is being concluded for the decant phase of the existing Gardaí and the new operational model. The state owned decentralised office site has been identified as the preferred option. Test fit studies have been undertaken. OPW and AGS expect to conclude the Option Appraisal process shortly.

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