Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the Office of Public Works’ upcoming project to refurbish Coachford Garda Station at Knockaneowen, Coachford, County Cork, I confirm that the procurement process is complete. In January 2024, the Project Oversight Group in OPW confirmed approval to proceed to Contract Award stage, and to accept the recommended tender.

It is planned to place the contract in the coming days, as soon as final confirmation of budgetary sanction is received. Following contract award, the appointed contractor will be requested to propose a programme for delivery of the works, which is expected to take approximately six months to complete. On completion, the building will be handed over to An Gárda Síochána, who will make final installations to facilitate the re-opening of the station.

The planned works at Coachford Garda Station represent significant capital investment in the Garda Estate by OPW. The project involves substantial refurbishment of the entire building, with redesigned vehicle and pedestrian routes to improve safety and accessibility. In addition to addressing both public accessibility and energy performance issues, OPW intends to deliver an improved, fit-for-purpose Garda Station, which maximises the accommodation capacity and utility of the building for An Garda Síochána.