Minister for Justice Simon Harris has announced that approval has been granted to proceed with the development of new Garda Stations in Macroom, Co. Cork and Clonmel, Co. Tipperary through direct exchequer funding.

This follows consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Office of Public Works.

The construction of these two Garda stations is a long standing strategic priority for An Garda Síochána. It is expected that the timeline for the development of the Garda stations will be substantially reduced by decoupling the projects from the Justice PPP (Public Private Partnership) and funding their construction through traditional exchequer funding as planning permission is in place for both Garda stations. The Garda projects can now be progressed outside of the PPP (Public Private Partnership) project for the new Family Court Complex at Hammond Lane, Dublin which will proceed as a standalone PPP project when planning permission has been secured.

Announcing the decision, Minister Harris said, “I know that An Garda Síochána and the local communities of Macroom and Clonmel and the wider surrounds have long been eager to see progress on the development of both of these Garda stations and I am delighted to say that today’s announcement will help speed up the delivery of these vital projects. By decoupling these projects from the Justice PPP project and using traditional exchequer funding, it is estimated that these Garda stations will be delivered quicker.”

“I know their completion will be a priority for the Office of Public Works working closely with An Garda Síochána. This continues a period of significant investment in An Garda Síochána. I look forward to visiting both stations over the coming weeks.”

The Justice PPP project will now be solely focused on the development of a much needed family law courts complex at Hammond Lane in Dublin, which will provide a world class facility to serve families at their most vulnerable.

Also welcoming the announcement, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Paschal Donohue said, “I welcome this announcement and a reduced timeline for the delivery of these very important Garda projects. As the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform I have a focus on overseeing the delivery of infrastructural projects under the National Development Plan.”

“My Department and I will be working with the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works to support the development of new Garda stations in Macroom and Clonmel, while also ensuring value for money for the Irish taxpayer.”

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan said, “I welcome the Government’s decision, which will speed up the delivery of these important projects and will support An Garda Síochána’s mission of keeping people safe in the wider communities of Macroom and Clonmel.”

“The OPW will progress the first stage of the two projects and form a design team to complete detailed design and preparation of tender documentation. Tender issue is expected Q4 2023/Q1 2024 and works to commence on site in 2024. In the meantime, the OPW is working closely with the Courts Services to support the progression of the new family courts complex at Hammond Lane.”