New Garda HQ on track for completion next year

The Minister for Justice has confirmed that the new state-of-the-art Garda HQ in Renmore is on track for completion at the end of 2017.

It will include a firing range and training centre for armed detectives and elite specialist units.

The 8,000 square metre building – which will be built at a cost of €15 million – will be a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the West of Ireland.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has now confirmed that the building will be completed by the last quarter of next year.

Newly-elected TD for Galway West, Hildegarde Naughton said: “This is a very important project for the east side of the city and for the broader region, which will be a significant addition to policing infrastructure and resources in Galway.

“Recent years have seen challenges and changes to policing in this country. As we now enter a period of economic renewal, there has to be increased investment in An Garda Síochána.

“The new Divisional Headquarters is part of that investment and will enhance the capability of the Garda to investigate crime and support the victims of crime,” said Deputy Naughton.

She said the new facility would form part of a “substantially enhanced policing network” in the city, along with Mill Street Garda Station and Salthill Garda Station, both of which will be retained.

The new headquarters will include dedicated victim-support facilities, as well as dedicated units for fingerprinting, crime-scene investigation, custody facilities, and a property and exhibit store.

It will also feature training facilities in the area of firearms and continuous professional development with a view to establishing the headquarters as a centre of excellence for training Gardaí. A firing range and vehicle-testing garage will also be developed on the site at Murrough on the Dublin Road.

The facility will be built over one, four and five storeys and there will also be a 4,000 square metre basement and there will be parking for around 220 cars.