New Garda Station on its Way

Deputy Lowry Welcomes a New Garda Station for Clonmel with interim improvements sanctioned for the exciting station on Emmet Street.

Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed that the contracts for the new Garda Station in Clonmel which will be located at Kickham Barracks will be signed in the coming weeks and the OPW has now allocated funding for the project.

Speaking on Monday morning after the announcement Deputy Lowry stated: “I recently arranged a meeting between representatives of The Garda Representative Association (GRA) with Minister Kevin Moran who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief. At that
meeting the Garda Body outlined their frustration and anger at having to work in the exciting station in Clonmel under deplorable conditions. I am pleased to confirm that arising from this meeting and discussions it has now been agreed that interim works will be carried out on the exciting Garda Station in Clonmel.

These interim works involve the complete replacement and insulation of proper toilet and hygiene facilities. The replacement of the archaic holding cells with modernised units. To alleviate personnel congestion and overcrowding in the station, approval has also been given to lease additional administrative office space in the building adjacent to the current station.

It is necessary to carry out these interim works because after contacts are signed before the end of February the new building will take approximately two years to construct and fit out. It would be unreasonable to expect Gardai to continue working during the building period in a substandard building which has so many obvious defects.

Deputy Lowry concluded: “I am delighted to have worked with the GRA and Minister Moran to make the breakthrough on what is a prolonged and frustrating issue.”