VIDEO: The official opening of the new-look Athlone Garda Station

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee were among the dignitaries in attendance on Monday at the official opening of Athlone's newly redeveloped Garda station.

The event included a performance by the Garda Band, the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and the raising of the national flag outside the Garda divisional headquarters.

The Garda Press Office has released this video of the ceremonies on Monday:

Minister McEntee said the redevelopment of the Barrack Street premises was part of a "21st century network of fit-for-purpose Garda stations," which were critical to delivering "effective policing services and tackling crime."