Work expected on new B'boro Garda Station before Christmas

The station was first planned in 2007.

“I hope there’ll be boots on the ground before Christmas”, said Garda Superintendent Gordon Englishby about work beginning on the new Garda Station in Bailieborough.

Contracts have been signed for the works, which will see the refurbishment of the former National Irish Bank building on Main Street.

The project has been planned for well over a decade but has been dogged by delays.

The existing bank building, which is a protected structure, is to be refurbished and a new three-storey over basement extension will be built to the rear.

Associated services, landscaping and car parking facilities will also be constructed.

Speaking at the Cavan Joint Policing Meeting today - the first since the signing of the contracts - TD Brendan Smith (FF) welcomed the news.

“It will be good to see the provision of proper accommodation”, he said.

Cllr Paddy McDonald (SF) queried when works were likely to begin on site.

Bailieborough Superintendent Gordon Englishby said there is a waiting period of 30 days from the signing of the contract before work can begin on site.

“The contracts were signed two weeks ago so I would hope there’ll be boots on the ground before Christmas”, he said.

Deputy Smith too said he was hopeful construction would begin quickly saying he has been informed by Finance Minister Michael McGrath that works would begin this month.

A new station has been long awaited as the current one, on Barrack Street in the town, has been deemed not fit for purpose.

A former RIC barracks, a number of portacabins have been located on site in recent years to increase capacity for Garda members.