A PLANNING application has been submitted for the demolition of Newcastle West Garda station and the construction of a new District Garda headquarters in the town.
The application by the Office of Public Works (OPW) was confirmed earlier today at the site of the new building by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and local Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, who has responsibility for the OPW .
Minister O’Donovan said the application showed the Government’s commitment to the construction for a purpose built District Garda headquarters in Newcastle West to enhance the public presence in the town while facilitating the policing infrastructure capacity for the region and the surrounding areas.
The new three storey building will replace the old Garda station which was closed two years ago and will provide the operational, functional and accommodation requirements demanded by the new Garda operation model.
Minister O’Donovan said it will also offer the opportunity to improve utilisation of a state-owned property.
The design proposal for the new station is for a 1,151 square metre building over three stories at the front of a 0.4 acre site with a secure yard to the rear. The main volume of the building is set back from the street, with a single storey pavilion to the front presenting an accessible entrance for the public.
Minister McEntee said the construction of the new Garda Station was an important development for policing in Newcastle West and the wider area.
“Once completed, the station will provide a modern fit-for-purpose facility for Garda members and staff, further enhancing the service provided to the local communities,” she added.
“The project will incorporate new facilities for the Gardaí as befitting of the station’s new status in the region and will give Newcastle West and the Mid-West an additional policing infrastructure capacity to meet present and future demands.
“The new station is vital to the provision of policing services in support of the wider Garda organisational strategy and to provide a more agile and responsive police service improving safety for local communities,” Minister McEntee declared.
