Two Offaly garda stations set to undergo renovation work

Two Offaly garda stations are set to undergo renovation work before the end of this year, the Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe has confirmed.

A total of seven stations across the Laois-Offaly area are due to undergo works at various points throughout 2024 with the total cost being estimated at around €200,000.

Minister Donohoe was responding to a parliamentary question in relation to "specific information on the number of Garda stations in Offaly and Laois that are subject of capital works, by location; the budget associated with same and the nature of works; the stage the projects are at currently; and the expected completion date."

The response showed that the two Offaly stations - Kilcormac and Birr - will undergo the works in the fourth quarter of this year as those projects are still at the early stages.

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Offaly TD Carol Nolan, who posed the question, expressed concern that "refurbishment works for Kilcormac Garda Station is only at the Tender Preparation stage while the Cell Upgrade for Birr Garda Station is merely at the preliminary stage."

“I would also highlight that the refurbishment, renovation and expansion of current Garda Station and associated projects in Portlaoise is still not due for completion before 2027.”

“I continue to engage with the Minister, the OPW and indeed the Minister for Justice because it is my clear view that we need a much stronger Garda presence and an increase in the operational hours of our Garda stations especially around Kilcormac, Banagher and Kinnitty where there are growing populations,” she concluded.