Minister and Garda Commissioner to launch building programme in Athlone

A five-year building and refurbishment programme for the Gardai will be launched by the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner in Athlone tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald, Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan and Minister of State Simon Harris will be in attendance at the launch of the Garda Síochána Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 - 2021.

The selection of Athlone Garda Statio as the site of the announcement is significant as the station has long been earmarked for a major upgrade and refurbishment.

In February of this year, Minister of State Harris visited Athlone Garda Station to inspect its facilities.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent during that visit, the Minister said he was hopeful that a contractor would be appointed next year to carry out the revamp, which is due to cost in the region of €8.8m.

He added that the work at the station would take two years to complete.

It was announced last month that €18m was being provided for Garda Station refurbishment over the next five years, along with additional funding for Public Private Partnership projects and for a new Forensic Science Laboratory at a site outside Lucan.