Justice Minister confirms new Garda station in Bailieborough a priority for 2015 – Humphreys & O’Reilly

“The Justice Minister has confirmed that the provision of a new Garda Station in Bailieborough has been identified as a priority for 2015,” according to Minister Heather Humphreys and Deputy Joe O’Reilly.

The Fine Gael TDs were speaking after they received confirmation from the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD, that the OPW will shortly place a notice in local newspapers seeking a site for the development of a new District Headquarters in Bailieborough.

Minister Humphreys said:

“This news will be greeted warmly by the people of Bailieborough, who have been in need of a new Garda station for some time. I am very pleased to learn that the development of a new station has been identified as a priority by Garda authorities for 2015. This news will also be warmly welcomed by local Gardaí working in the station, as they have been dealing with substandard accommodation in the current building on Barrack Street for far too long. 

“The new station will also be a positive addition to the wider area, as the new high quality building will act as District Headquarters. As no suitable State owned sites are available, the OPW will be seeking offers of suitable sites, so I would encourage local landowners and businesses to keep an eye on the local media for a notice in the coming weeks.

Deputy O’Reilly said:

“The development of a new Garda station in Bailieborough has been a priority for me since my election in 2011. I have been consistently making the case for a new station for the town. I am delighted that my calls have been listened to and that Minister Fitzgerald is now prioritising the construction of a new Garda station in Bailieborough.

“The current station, on Barrack Street, has fallen into bad repair and a new station is essential if officers are to adequately deal with their increasing workload. I raised the issue with both the previous Minister, Alan Shatter TD, and the current Minister, Frances Fitzgerald TD, and I am very pleased that plans for a new District Headquarters are now moving forward. I will continue to monitor progress in the coming months and I hope construction can continue as soon as a new site is acquired.”