Press release
Taoiseach, Minister McEntee and Minister of State O’Donnell welcome funding for Garda Estate Projects across County Wicklow
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Published on
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Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and Minister of State at the Office of Public Works Kieran O’Donnell today visited Bray Garda Station where upgrade works have commenced. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was also in attendance.
Bray Garda Station is one of six garda stations in Wicklow which will undergo upgrade works between now and the end of 2025.
In the order of €1.5 million is being invested by the Government to carry out refurbishments and upgrades of the Garda Stations in Tinahely, Shillelagh, Bray, Baltinglass, Wicklow town, and Greystones. The work aims to deliver modern facilities which can be enjoyed by Garda members, staff and Reserve members while also making access to garda stations easier for the public.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
I’m delighted to be here today to join the Justice Minister and the Office of Public Works Minister to announce funding for building improvement projects at several garda stations across County Wicklow.
This further investment underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work. I want to thank An Garda Síochána across the country and in County Wicklow who continue to work hard to protect their communities.
Minister McEntee said:
I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to deliver an effective and professional policing service, and ensure we have stronger, safer communities. I have secured €128m for Garda estates projects in 2025 and 2026 under the National Development Plan. This is in addition to over €220m which has been invested between 2020 and 2024.
It was great to meet with those assigned to Bray Garda station today as their refurbishment works begin. The projects to upgrade and refurbish the 6 Garda stations will ensure that, across Wicklow, all Garda staff and communities have fit-for-purpose facilities they deserve both now and into the future.
Minister of State Kieran O’Donnell said:
The Office of Public Works (OPW) works closely with An Garda Siochána and Department of Justice to deliver modern, fit for purpose work environments for members of An Garda Síochána. The upgrade works across six Garda Stations in Wicklow, including here at Bray Garda Station today and at Tinahely, Shillelagh, Baltinglass, Wicklow Town and Greystones Garda Stations are examples of such projects.
These vital modernisation projects are being delivered by the Office of Public Works team, who work tirelessly to provide important infrastructure projects like these, on behalf of the people of Ireland and are part of a significant programme of Garda Estate works underway across the country on our local Garda Stations. I have no doubt that once these works are complete throughout Wicklow, the new facilities and upgrades will assist An Garda Síochána in delivering their invaluable service to local communities and surrounding areas.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said:
The complexities of modern policing mean that we must be well resourced in order to keep at pace and continue ensuring that those we serve are safe and well in their community.
Investing in the facilities at a number of Garda Stations in Co. Wicklow will mean that Garda personnel in the county are connected to the local community and the ongoing investment demonstrates our commitment to community policing, and that members of the public feel comfortable to drop in to us for any of the services we provide.
€128m has been allocated for Garda estates projects in 2025 and 2026 under the National Development Plan. This is in addition to over €220m which has been invested between 2020 and 2024.
Some of these projects are in progress and all work will be completed over 2024 and 2025.
The investment in upgrading the Garda estate forms part of the unprecedented level of funding provided to An Garda Síochána in recent years. This investment underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.