The sod has been officially turned for a major new Garda station in Macroom, County Cork, marking the beginning of a significant investment in policing and community safety in the south of the country.
The new station will serve as the divisional headquarters for the Cork County Garda Division and will replace the existing station in the town, which has been in operation since the 1850s.
Located in Gurteenroe, the development will include a two, three and four-storey main building, alongside three single-storey ancillary buildings and secure parking facilities.
The facility will provide more than 4,300 square metres of modern office space, conference rooms, staff support areas and custody suites. Construction is being led by JJ Rhatigan, which has confirmed the total project value at €48 million. The project is being delivered under the Garda Capital Investment Programme following collaboration between An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Justice.
Once completed, the headquarters will centralise several specialist units, including those dealing with serious crime. The office of Chief Superintendent for Cork County, Vincent O'Sullivan, will relocate from Bandon to the new Macroom base, which is considered a more central location within the large division.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, and Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin 'Boxer' Moran attended the sod-turning ceremony.
Commissioner Kelly described the development as an "important milestone" for both the force and the local community.
He said: "This development reflects a significant capital investment in policing infrastructure and will provide garda personnel with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities to support the delivery of a responsive, community-focused policing service across Macroom and the wider County Cork area."
Minister O'Callaghan said the project represents a "major investment" in policing, community safety and public infrastructure.
He said: "It is central to delivering the government's commitment to build stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising facilities to tackle crime.
"Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to deliver an effective and professional policing service. Having modern stations across the country are central to delivering on that commitment," the minister added.
Minister Moran said: "This project showcases the close collaboration between the OPW, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, highlighting their unified approach to delivering major capital projects.
"It is an example of Government's commitment to delivering modern work environments with the capacity to meet future demands."
He added: "I look forward to seeing its progress over the coming months and am confident that, upon completion, this new Garda Station will provide members of An Garda Síochána with a fit for purpose work environment ensuring they can continue to deliver their invaluable service to community of Cork and surrounding area."
Councillor Michael Looney, Chairperson of the Macroom Local Electoral Area, described the sod-turning as a "great day" for the town, saying the new station would be a major addition and help promote Macroom as a growing tourism hub.
