Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has said he is delighted with the decision of the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald TD to include Newcastle West Garda Station on the Government’s list of Garda Capital Works.
“I have been working on this project since I became a TD and I am thrilled to have been able to secure this badly needed investment for Newcastle West. The current station was built for a smaller Garda district and since then very little has changed in the station, but with increased demands on the Gardaí we need a modern headquarters for the West Limerick area.”
“Since becoming a TD I have pushed the case for Newcastle West at every opportunity. I recently accompanied the Minister for Justice to the station and prior to that I organised a visit by the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Simon Harris TD. In both cases they met with members of the Gardaí and saw for themselves the condition of the station. It was clear to both of them that there needed to be improvements in Newcastle West and I was delighted when the Minister for Justice told me that she had agreed with my request to allocate funding to Newcastle West in the plan.”
“The plan which was submitted by local Garda management and which is now approved includes a substantial extension and complete renovation of the existing facility, which will make it one of the most modern facilities in the region. This will allow members of the Force and the civilian staff to offer a complete modern police service from Newcastle West. The public will also see an obvious benefit with an improved public facility in Newcastle West which respects people’s privacy, confidentiality and dignity. This is fantastic news for Newcastle West and recognition of the place that the town has, as the headquarters of a Garda district which is bigger than Co. Monaghan.”
Patrick O’Donovan paid tribute to local Superintendent Tom O’Connor and the local Gardaí who have served Newcastle West from the current Garda Station. “This is great news for Newcastle West and is a clear commitment from this Government to; the town, the surrounding areas, the members of An Garda Siochána and the Department of Justice staff in the station. I am delighted as the Government TD for the area to have played my role in its delivery.
