Taoiseach and ministers McEntee, O’Donnell and Fleming welcome commencement works on new Portlaoise Garda station

• New station to serve as Divisional Headquarters for Laois-Offaly Division

• Unprecedented funding allocated to modernising Garda estate

Taoiseach Simon Harris, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kieran O'Donnell, and Minister of State Seán Fleming today (Friday) visited Portlaoise where site mobilisation works for the main refurbishment and extension of the existing Garda station has begun to provide a new Garda Divisional Headquarters for the Laois-Offaly Division.

The Portlaoise Headquarters is one of many projects being delivered under a comprehensive programme to modernise Garda buildings. The OPW and An Garda Síochána, with the support of the Department of Justice, are working to improve and modernise Garda facilities across the country.

Speaking in Portlaoise, the Taoiseach said:

"The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities - and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that.

"Modern, fit-for-purpose Garda stations are vital for building these communities. Over €220m has been invested in modernising Garda buildings since 2020.

"Overall investment in An Garda Síochána has increased year on year since 2020. Garda funding has increased by over €500m (up 27% since 2020), bringing the total 2025 budget to €2.48 billion."

Speaking today Minister McEntee said:

"The beginning of the site mobilisation works for this new Divisional Headquarters marks a bright new chapter for policing in Laois and Offaly.

"It is vital that both gardaí and members of the public can make use of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. The benefits of a new Garda station will be felt by everyone in Portlaoise and in the towns and villages across the Laois-Offaly Division.

"It will also continue to highlight the successes of the new Garda operating model as it continues to be rolled out across the country."

To support ongoing works in Garda stations across the country, Minister McEntee has ensured over €220m has been invested in the Garda estate between 2020 and this year. Minister McEntee has also secured a further €128m for Garda building projects in 2025 and 2026 under the national development plan.

These projects will build new and modernised Garda stations and other facilities to support An Garda Síochána in achieving their mission to keep people safe, which is a key priority for Government.

Minister McEntee added:

"The Government is wholly committed to delivering modern, suitable facilities for An Garda Síochána to play their vital role in keeping communities safe.

"I have secured €128m for Garda building projects for 2025 and 2026, which will be felt in communities up and down the country. This sustained investment is providing for a number of large and minor scale projects including divisional headquarters, new Garda stations and refurbishment projects.

"I would like to thank the OPW, officials in my Department, and An Garda Síochána for their work. We are all very grateful to everyone who has worked very hard to progress these works."

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kieran O'Donnell said:

"As Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, I am delighted to be here in Portlaoise today to witness the commencement of site setup works on the new Garda Divisional Headquarters for the Laois-Offaly Division. This project involves the refurbishment and extension of the existing Garda station. This purpose-built Garda headquarters will provide modern accommodation and facilities that will assist members of An Garda Síochána in the delivery of their work.

"This project is one of many significant capital projects that the OPW, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice are collaborating on. It is an example of Government's commitment to delivering fit-for-purpose work environments that have the space to grow and increase capacity to meet future demands.

"I have no doubt that once these works are complete, the new state-of-the-art facility here in Portlaoise will greatly assist An Garda Síochána in delivering their invaluable service to the local community while facilitating the policing infrastructure capacity for Laois and Offaly."

Minister of State Seán Fleming said:

"This is an important day, with the turning of the sod of the new Portlaoise Garda station, which also serves as the Divisional Headquarters for the Laois-Offaly Garda Division. These major works have been a priority for a number of years and are necessary for the growing population in Laois and the midlands.

"I want to compliment the gardaí and staff for their work with the OPW and for working so effectively to relocate all staff to another location in the town, while these works get underway. I look forward to the completion of this major new Garda station in Portlaoise."

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said:

"The revamped Portlaoise station will be of great benefit in supporting local Garda personnel to keep the people of Portlaoise and surrounding areas safe.

"The new Divisional Headquarters building will reflect the increasing population in Portlaoise and the associated policing requirements including from a high-security prison."

ENDS