Written answers

Thursday, 2 March 2023

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

An Garda Síochána

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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192. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on the development plans for Drogheda Garda station; if he will provide the overall details on the plans; the estimated costs of the plans; the projected date of commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7517/23]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works is in the process of providing a new two-storey facility on the site of Drogheda Garda Station, to the north-east of the existing station, to enhance the operational capability of the station and to provide improved accommodation facilities for the serving officers on site.

Louth County Council issued a Dangerous Structure Notice to OPW in February 2020 with regard to the boundary wall on Patrickswell Lane, instructing OPW to make safe the boundary wall. The wall was enclosed by Heras Fencing to offset any immediate danger to the public. Given the need to rectify and make safe the boundary structure, the repair and restoration of the boundary wall has been identified as enabling works to accommodate the delivery of the adjacent PEMS (Property and Evidence Material Systems) Unit. At present, the wall to the north-east boundary of the station requires repair and conservation before the development can commence. These works, along Old Abbey Lane, are to be carried out in accordance with Part 9 Planning and the conditions set out in Ministerial Consent C000952.

OPW issued tenders for the remedial works to the wall on 18 July 2022, with a tender return date of 22 August 2022. A Letter of Intent issued to the preferred contractor on the 26 October 2022.

The Letter of Acceptance has issued to the contactor (DEMAC Construction Ltd) and contract placed following agreement on all sides on the 9thJanuary 2023 for the enabling works. There is an existing gas main on site which needs to be relocated. The works to relocate the meter will form part of the overall enabling works undertaken by the appointed contractor.

The total Project Budget is €459,000for the enabling works. OPW will provide funding for the enabling works to the Boundary Wall and the PEMS facility only, which will be based on the ground floor of the two-storey building. Staff facilities, housed on the first floor, are categorised as elective works and will be funded by An Garda Síochána. The estimated project cost is €2,320,000 for the main works.

The remedial works have commenced from the 16thJanuary 2023 with a planned programme of 21 weeks duration in total. It is envisaged that the tender package for the main building works will follow completion of said remedial works. Construction for the main works will take approximately 12 months.

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