Lots of Garda changes in Laois at Portlaoise HQ

Laois policing is in line for a change of the guard with confirmation of the departure of the county's superintendent just as the near €30 million renovation of Portlaoise Garda Station gets underway.

The Laois Offaly Garda Division has confirmed the departure of Superintendent Eamon Curley due to his promotion as Chief Superintendent in neighbouring Kilkenny Carlow Garda Division.

His promotion was marked by a celebration at the Laois Offaly HQ in Portlaoise. 

"Eamon has been a beacon of professionalism, empathy and kindness during his time in Laois-Offaly, always keeping the public at the heart of every decision he made. His dedication to service and his ability to thrive under pressure have made a lasting impact on our communities.

"Kilkenny is gaining a leader of immense calibre, and while Laois-Offaly will surely miss him, we know he will continue to bring his unwavering dedication and care to his new role. Congratulations, Eamon – we wish you every success in this new chapter," said a statement from the Division on social media.

Chief Superintendent Curley was first appointed Superintendent in the Leixlip District of Kildare in July 2020, following terms as Detective Sergeant in Athlone and Inspector in Portlaoise. He was appointed Superintendent in the Tullamore Garda District in November 2021 before taking up a similar post in Portlaoise.

He co-founded the Cara Curley Fund in 2017 to financially support Garda families affected by serious illness. Cara Curley is the beloved daughter of Eamon and Yvonne Curley who died in aged 8 years after a brave battle with leukaemia.

It is understood that Chief Superintendent will be replaced by a man who is familiar with policing in Portlaoise. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Superintendent Declan Dunne is due to take up the role imminently. The Athy native previously served as an Inspector and Superintendent in the Laois Offaly Division.

He assumes the post at a time of big change for policing in Laois and Offaly that will presents logistical challenges to policing due to the major renovation of the divisional HQ in Portlaoise. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Inspector Declan Dunne at Portarlington Rugby Club for the launch of the Port Project Suicide Awareness DVD during his time in Portlaoise. Photo: Michael Scully

It is understood that gardaí are in the final stages of decamping from Portlaoise Garda Station. Garda management and other policing sections are due to relocate out of the building to offices on the Dublin Road at Grattan House.

The public office will remain open in the Abbeyleix Road building in the short term before relocating to prefabs outside the building during the main part of the construction process. Some staff are already working at the MDA in Mountmellick.

More use will also be made of Abbeyleix Garda Station due to its custodial facilities.

Builders are understood to be ready to commence work on the Garda station which will involve the overhaul of the existing premises and building of a new wing to the rear. 

Outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris turned the sod on the near €30 million development in late 2024. It is due to be completed by mid-2027 and is being overseen by the Gardaí and Office of Public Works. Apart from being Portlaoise's station it is also the base for policing in Laois and serves as the Laois Offaly Division HQ.