Sod turned on long-awaited Garda Divisional Headquarters in Portlaoise

THE first sod was turned on the long awaited and much promised multi-euro new Garda Divisional Headquarters in Portlaoise this morning Friday 1 November.

The Taoiseach Simon Harris along with the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State Seán Fleming and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris were present at the ceremony.

The planned multi-million euro works, which is located within a historic Fort, include the construction of a three-storey office block on the army site at the rear of the existing garda station and the demolition, rebuilding and major refurbishing of part of the old building.

The existing two-storey gymnasium building, constructed in 1910, as well as two two-storey buildings built in 1980 are also to be removed to facilitate the proposed upgrade work.

While the work is under way the 200 or so staff will be relocated to premises at Grattan House along the Dublin Road. Two portable buildings will remain at the site at the front of the station along the Abbeyleix Road and manned to assist people. Prisoners who are normally detained in the station in Portlaoise will be held in either Abbeyleix or Tullamore Garda Stations.

At the ceremony this morning the Taoiseach said: “The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities – and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. Modern, fit-for-purpose Garda stations are vital for building these communities. Over €220m has been invested in modernising Garda buildings since 2020."

Minister McEntee said: “The beginning of the site mobilisation works for this new Divisional Headquarters marks a bright new chapter for policing in Laois and Offaly. It is vital that both gardaí and members of the public can make use of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. The benefits of a new Garda station will be felt by everyone in Portlaoise and in the towns and villages across the Laois-Offaly Division. It will also continue to highlight the successes of the new Garda operating model as it continues to be rolled out across the country.” 

Minister of State for the OPW Kieran O’Donnell said: “I am delighted to be here in Portlaoise to witness the commencement of site setup works on the new Garda Divisional Headquarters for the Laois-Offaly Division. This project involves the refurbishment and extension of the existing Garda station. This purpose-built Garda headquarters will provide modern accommodation and facilities that will assist members of An Garda Síochána in the delivery of their work.

“I have no doubt that once these works are complete, the new state-of-the-art facility here in Portlaoise will greatly assist An Garda Síochána in delivering their invaluable service to the local community while facilitating the policing infrastructure capacity for Laois and Offaly.” 

 Minister of State Seán Fleming said: “This is an important day, with the turning of the sod of the new Portlaoise Garda station, which also serves as the Divisional Headquarters for the Laois-Offaly Garda Division. These major works have been a priority for a number of years and are necessary for the growing population in Laois and the midlands.

Commissioner Drew Harris said: “The revamped Portlaoise station will be of great benefit in supporting local Garda personnel to keep the people of Portlaoise and surrounding areas safe.

“The new Divisional Headquarters building will reflect the increasing population in Portlaoise and the associated policing requirements including from a high-security prison."