Extension for new B’boro Garda HQ build

An extension is already being sought for the new Garda Headquarters in Bailieborough, which has yet to open.

Planning permission is being sought to add a new single-storey extension on the ground floor level to provide for a sheltered bicycle and motorbike parking area and storage space on an adjacent site.

Over €11 million is being spent converting the former National Irish Bank building into Bailieborough’s new Garda Headquarters, and the extension will now take in part of a neighbouring site to the east on Main Street.

The change is being moved by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on foot of a Part 9 Planning Notification (see advert on page 14 of today's print edition of the Celt). It will result in an additional site area of 0.056 ha, making a new total site area of 0.206 ha.

The proposed new section will be fenced off and linked to the main garda station at ground floor level.

Works include extending the secure Garda-only courtyard, accessed from the Main Street. Site development works also include the provision of nine parking spaces and electrical vehicle charging points.

The initial HQ plans involved the demolition of a three-storey rear extension at the building’s north side, a single-storey building at the rear of the NIB building, and two associated out-buildings to be replaced by a three-storey over basement building at both the ground level and first floor level.

Adston Construction Ltd was appointed last year to carry out the works, which began last year. The current station, a former RIC barracks, was deemed unsuitable for purposes. Work was expected to be complete in a 20-month timeframe, with a target date of September 2023.

However, the latest application to extend the development is expected to push the finish date out further.