Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, has confirmed that Portlaoise Garda Station is on course to be fully operational by the summer of 2027.
Under the new Garda Operating Model, Portlaoise Garda Station will be the Division Headquarters of Laois-Offaly, serving a population of approximately 200,000 people.
Construction of a significant extension is currently underway at the the rear of the station as well as the construction of new three-storey over-basement building.
Minister Chambers confirmed the main contractor commenced work on site in November 2024 and the expected construction period is 28 months, adding that the programme “is currently on track to meet these deadlines.”
Substantial completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027 with full completion, including installation of furniture and IT equipment is expected in the second quarter of 2027.
The refurbishment is located within a historic Fort. Conservation works to the historic wall and demolition works to modern structures attached to the wall have now been completed.
The announcement came in response to a question from Minister Chambers’ Fianna Fáil colleague, Laois TD Sean Fleming, who welcomed the announcement.
To “ensure continuity of policing within the town and region” while the upgrading works are ongoing, Deputy Fleming confirmed that An Garda Síochána are:
- Operating a public office to the front of the former station;
- Providing policing activity from the former Department of Agriculture Office at Grattan Business Centre;
- Using upgraded custody facilities at Abbeyleix GS.
Deputy Fleming was less enthused about the other Garda Stations throughout the county, saying: “Portlaoise Station is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sadly, all other stations have limited opening hours and is subject to Garda availability at those times.
“On some occasions Gardai can be called away on garda matters out of the station and the Garda Stations are not open during these times. This is a major inconvenience to the general public and this service must be improved.
“I have asked that this matter be reviewed to ensure there is guaranteed increased opening times for Garda Stations through the county and this matter must be given priority.
“This model sets out contacts for community engagement, following up on crimes and other matters including the business services that the Gardai provide in Laois.”
Below is a the opening times for Garda Stations around Laois (subject to manpower):
- Abbeyleix: 9am – 6pm (extending to 24 hours)
- Arles: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
- Ballyroan: 4pm – 5pm
- Borris-in-Ossory: 4pm – 5pm
- Clonaslee: 5pm – 6pm
- Durrow: 12pm – 1pm
- Mountmellick: 12pm – 2pm / 7pm – 9pm
- Mountrath: 10am – 11am
- Portarlington: 10am – 12pm / 7pm – 9pm
- Rathdowney: 2pm – 3pm
- Stradbally: 11am – 12pm
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