Gardaí ease walkout threat after plan for new station submitted

WALKOUT threats by gardaí, based in an archaic station, have eased after the Office of Public Works (OPW) applied for planning permission to construct a new building in Glanmire, Co Cork.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), representing rank and file members, welcomed the OPW announcement. The GRA had campaigned for many years to replace the 100-year-old Glanmire Garda Station.

It also previously threatened to have a health and safety audit carried out on the building, in the belief the findings would lead to the closure of at least part, if not all, of the building.

Gardaí are reportedly operating out of intolerable conditions. The building is cramped and overcrowded with no showers or proper changing facilities and no private interview rooms. There is no wheelchair access and gardaí have to rely on the goodwill of businesses in a nearby industrial estate to park patrol cars.

However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel with the OPW announcement that it is applying for a change of use for a premises in Sallybrook, a mile from the existing garda station.

Fine Gael TD Dara Murphy said he welcomed the news from Minster of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes.

“The current station in Glanmire is inadequate for the growing population in the area and has been neglected for years by previous Fianna Fáil governments,” the TD said.

“I am very pleased that after such a short period in Government, Minister Hayes has confirmed that an application has been lodged for planning with Cork County Council,” Mr Murphy said.

“I am delighted at the progress that has been made on this issue as Glanmire is one of the most important towns in Co Cork given its location and population. This announcement continues to prove the commitment of this Government to the provision of services which are urgently required in specific and targeted parts of the country.”

He commended the gardaí for managing to maintain a great service in the area, despite the fact that they were operating out of totally unsuitable premises.

GRA deputy president John Parker said that it was important the refurbishment of the designated new building went to tender as soon as possible.

“While I welcome the fact that it is now at the planning application stage, I hope the whole process will be a short footpath rather than a long and winding road,” Garda Parker added.