Garda Divisional Headquarters, Portlaoise Garda Station, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

PART 9 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 SI. 600/2001

THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS IN IRELAND FOR AND ON BEHALF OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA

In accordance with the provisions of Part 9 of S.I. No. 600/2001, Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), give notice of their intention to carry out the following development at Portlaoise Garda Station, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 XW68.

The proposed development involves the refurbishment/conservation and extension of the existing garda station building and construction of a new building on the site west of the existing garda station site to provide a new Garda Divisional Headquarters for Portlaoise. The total site area is c. 0.728 hectares. The development site contains four no. Protected Structures (under Laois County Development Plan 2017-23): RPS 174-Garda Barracks; RPS 477-Garda Station Wall; RPS 478-Former OPW Offices at Garda Station and RPS 479-Two bay single storey Guard House at Garda Station.

The proposed development works will consist of: a) Refurbishment/conservation of existing garda station building and entrance guard houses (GIA 763m2); b) Refurbishment/conservation of existing garda station/fort wall including new entrance gates and new pedestrian gated opening to west wall; c) Construction of part two/part three storey extension (total GIA 994m2) to existing garda station building; d) Construction of a new three storey over basement building (total GIA 2,165m2) on site to west of existing garda station site.

In order to facilitate the development, the following structures, with total footprint of 1,346m2, are required to be removed: Two storey gymnasium building (built c.1910, listed no. 12506162 on NIAH); Later additions/extensions to existing Garda Station – 2 no. two storey blocks (built c.1980), and a single storey ESB sub-station; 2 no. single storey buildings attached to the north-east and south-east corners of the garda station/fort wall; Corrugated metal lean-to roof canopy attached to existing garda station/fort walls; Single storey lean-to building attached to north guard house at main entrance; Rifle range structure attached to west side of existing garda station/fort walls; Single storey PSSB building on site to west of existing garda station compound; Removal of portacabins, containers, planters, and some existing services (including an oil tank, gas tank and telecommunications mast).

Site development works include the provision of hard and soft landscaping, bin stores, 60 no. car parking spaces including 3 no. disabled parking spaces, 20 no. bicycle parking spaces, metal gates, signage, extensive hard and soft landscaping, lighting, CCTV, new railings and boundary wall treatments. A new separate foul drain will connect to the existing public drainage system and all surface water will be attenuated on site.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening was undertaken for the proposed development. It concluded that there will be no likely significant effects on any Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with any other plans or projects.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Preliminary Examination was undertaken for the proposed development. It concluded that, based on a preliminary examination of all environmental receptors and criteria set out in Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), an EIAR is not recommended.

Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Board Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

The above mentioned Environmental Impact Assessment Preliminary Examination may be inspected below:

During all periods of Covid-19 restrictions, drawings and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection by appointment only and with two working days’ notice, between 9.30am and 12.30pm and between 2.30pm and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday for a period of 6 weeks (the period between 24th December and 1st January, both days inclusive, shall be disregarded) beginning on the date of the publication of this notice at:

The Office of Public Works, Main Reception, 52 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 DR67

and at

Portlaoise Garda Station Public Office, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 XW68

All appointments for viewing should be sent to

portlaoise_dv@garda.ie or Tel: 057 867 4112

or

portlaoisepart9@opw.ie or Tel: 046 942 6000

Submissions and/or observations on the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area, may be made in writing within a period of 6 weeks (the period between 24th December and 1st January, both days inclusive, shall be disregarded) beginning on the date of the publication of this notice to:

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, Office of Public Works, Major Projects, 52 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 DR67.

Ciaran O'Connor, State Architect

15th December 2020