Builders sought for multi million renovation job on Portlaoise division Garda Station

A major multi-million renovation of Portlaoise Garda Station is nearing construction, with another milestone on the way.

The construction tender has gone out to find a contractor to take on the project that will turn the once English military barracks into a centre fit for its status as the headquarters for the Laois, Kildare and Offaly Garda Division.

The tender describes the work planned.

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"Refurbishment, extension and alteration of the existing An Garda Síochána (AGS) Station on the existing main Garda barracks’ site and adjacent site rear to existing Garda Station site, hereinafter referred to as the ‘PSSB’ site.

They note that the construction of a new Defence Forces facility beside the Portlaoise Prison Campus is already underway. 

"There will be demolition, construction and refurbishment works to buildings within the existing Garda Station and ‘PSSB’ site. Both the Garda Station development and Defence Forces facility development will be progressed through a phased process.

"The development of the new Defence Force’s facility is part of this project. The entire project will progress as two inter-related and dependent sub-projects.

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"One project team will have responsibility for the entire project and will be involved throughout all project phases.

"The development works will consist of: a) Demolition to existing buildings to 2 storey office block, detention facilities, out-buildings and PSSB building at the rear of the Garda Station. b) A refurbishment of the existing 2 storey Garda Station building on the Garda barracks’ site in Portlaoise; c) Construction of a new 3 storey extension to the existing Garda Station building with a level link to the existing building, forming the new external courtyard, on main Garda barracks’ site; d) Construction of a new proposed standalone building on the PSSB site. e) Construction of a new Defence Forces facility in Portlaoise area (separate contract).

"The existing main Garda Station building is positioned centrally on the site. It is surrounded by the historic high army barracks’ walls with attached guard houses, entrance gate, 4 no. projecting defensive corners, one and two-storey contemporary additions."