Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., is
delighted to announce that following the planning approval for the new Garda station in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, the Office of Public Works is now proceeding to the procurement stage with the drafting of tender documentation. It is envisaged that works on site will commence after the summer of this year.
The new station will operate as the new headquarters for Community Engagement in the Limerick Garda Division, as per the new Garda operating model which was recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing.
Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to see progress on this programme of planned construction for a new purpose built Limerick County Community Engagement Area Headquarters in Newcastle West which when completed will enhance the Garda presence in the town while facilitating the policing infrastructure capacity for the region and the surrounding areas.”
The new Garda station will consist of a new 3 storey building of 1151 square metres on a site of circa 0.1651 hectares.
It will replace the old Garda station on the site and will provide the operational, functional and accommodation requirements to deliver the new Garda Operating Model. The new Garda operating model will implement four functional areas in each Garda division:
- Community engagement, including roads and community policing
- Crime, including serious crime, security intelligence and immigration
- Performance assurance, including performance and standards, discipline and engagement with GSOC
- Business services, including finance and logistics, human resources and general administration
The new Model will see more front-line Gardaí, a stronger focus on community policing, and a wide- range of policing services delivered locally.
