Builders not signed up but intention declared start multimillion euro overhaul of Portlaoise Garda Station

Work is due to begin within weeks to prepare Portlaoise Garda Station to become the policing HQ for Laois, Offaly and Kildare but building companies have yet to be signed up the carry out the extensive multi-million overhaul.

The building is the location for the hub for the proposed new Garda Division which will provide policing for up to 400,000 people. However, the merger has yet to go ahead partly because Portlaoise Garda Station is not deemed fit to cope.

The station's overhaul has been on the cards since 2016 when it was included in the National Development Plan. However that plan expired in 2021 with no progress. It is in the current plan the runs to 2025.

Designs have changed over the years due to the three county merger. There were also delays caused by the Department of Defences requirements as a new base for army personal had to be built in Portlaoise.

There were indications at policing and political levels the last quarter of 2022 that work on the €24 million project would commence in 2023. 

The Office of Public Works is overseeing the project. It invited tenders in April 2022 in what appeared to be confirmation that builders were to be hired. However, this appears not to have happened as revealed in an update in December 2022 to the Leinster Express / Laois Live as to the status of the project.

"Work is proceeding on the project to provide a refurbished and modernised Garda Station in Portlaoise that will meet all the operational, functional and accommodation needs required by the new Garda operation model. To accommodate the brief, the following developments are required; refurbishment of the existing building, a 2 and 3 storey extension and a new significant building on the rear site. The construction of a building at the rear of the existing premises is integral to the effective redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda station to meet Garda requirements and has increased the total size of accommodation to be provided by 30%.

"The site to the rear of the existing Garda station is currently occupied by the Defence Forces who are to be relocated to a new identified site closer to the Midlands Prison. Tenders have been returned and assessed for these works. Upon receipt of confirmation from Department of Defence that the building is still operationally required, a contract for the building works will be placed. Works are expected to commence on site in early 2023. The delivery of the new Defence Force building will not delay the placing of the main contract works for the redevelopment of the Portlaoise Garda Station.

"The tender documentation for Enabling Works to the existing Garda Station has been issued and tenders were received on Wednesday 7th December and are currently being assessed. The Enabling Works include conservation works to the historic wall and demolition works to modern structures attached to the historic wall. These works will help de-risk the delivery of the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station. The OPW anticipate works will commence on site at the beginning of 2023. The tender documents for the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station are being finalised and subject to Approving Authority approval, OPW expect to go to tender in December 2022 or early 2023," it said.

The OPW had previously said the project would take three years to complete. The limestone former military barracks was built around the start of the 19th century.