Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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77. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date upon which it is expected that works will commence on the proposed new Garda station in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58326/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the designation of Portlaoise as a Divisional HQ for the Laois/Offaly/Kildare Division placed greater importance on this project being delivered.

The Portlaoise Garda Station project will meet all the operational, functional and accommodation requirements demanded by the new Garda operation model. To accommodate all the brief requirements the following developments are required; refurbishment of the existing building, a 2 & 3 storey extension and a new significant new building on the rear site. The construction of a building at the rear of Portlaoise Garda Station is integral to the effective redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda station to meet Garda requirements and has increased the total size of accommodation to be provided by 30%.

The site to the rear of the existing Garda station is currently occupied by the Defence Forces who are to be relocated from the rear site to the new identified site closer to the Midlands Prison. Tenders have been returned for these works and are currently being assessed. On completion of this, a contract for the building works will be placed. Works are expected to commence on site at the end of 2022 or at the start of 2023. The delivery of the new Defence Force building will not delay the placing of the main contract works for the redevelopment of the Portlaoise Garda Station.

The tender documentation for Enabling Works to the existing Garda Station has been issued. The Enabling Works include conservation works to the historic wall and demolition works to modern structures attached to the historic wall. These works will help de-risk the delivery of the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station. Tenders are due to be returned in 2 weeks and the OPW anticipate works will start on site at the end of 2022 or start of 2023. The tender documents for the redevelopment of Portlaoise Garda Station are being finalised and subject to Approving Authority Approval, OPW expect to go to tender in December 2022 or early 2023.

An option appraisal is being concluded for the decant phase of the existing Gardaí and the new operational model. The state owned decentralised office site has been identified as the preferred option. Test fit studies have been undertaken. OPW and AGS expect to conclude the Option Appraisal process and make a recommendation shortly.