Bawnboy Garda Station reopening in doubt
The planned reopening of Bawnboy Garda Station could be under threat as it’s said to be “under review”.
One of six earmarked for reopening in a Government announcement in 2017, the station is one of two that remains shuttered, with little progress made towards its reopening.
The small west Cavan station was closed in 2013 as part of cost cutting measures post recession.
However, almost five years on from the announcement it was to be reopened, that decision may not now be followed through on as both the Justice Minister and Gardaí say it is being reviewed.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee last week said the reopening of Bawnboy station is “being considered”.
In response to a parliamentary question, she said while four stations have reopened, Rush and Stepaside in Dublin, Donard in Co Wicklow and Ballinspittle in Cork. Bawnboy and Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, remain closed.
“I am advised by the Commissioner that the reopening of the two remaining stations of Bawnboy Garda Station, Co Cavan, and Leighlinbridge Garda Station, Co Carlow have not been advanced as yet and is being considered in the overall context of the Garda capital programme.”
A statement from the Garda Press Office too said the planned reopening “is under review”.
“An Garda Síochána is considering the reopening of this station in the context of available funding as provided to An Garda Síochána under the National Development Plan.”
The comments echo those of the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on a visit to Cavan town last October.
Speaking to The Anglo-Celt on that occasion he hinted at concerns over the reopening, saying “a business case” would have to be examined. He went further, suggesting “alternatives” such as other public buildings like libraries could be used to provide local policing services.
It’s understood works in the region of €250,000 are needed to bring Bawnboy Garda Station up to the present day requirements for gardaí. Work to remove asbestos is also required.
The Office of Public Works had been coordinating work with a view to reopening the station but it referred a query from The Anglo-Celt to the Garda Press Office.