OPW knew of Garda personnel need but opted for building that will be too small

The OPW was informed by An Garda Síochána in January 2016 that a replacement site for the current command centre at Harcourt Square would need to be able to accommodate 1,090 personnel together with 366 vehicles. Picture: Moya Nolan

The Office of Public Works (OPW) was fully aware of the number of gardaí present at the force’s Dublin command centre in 2016 when selecting a replacement site, but still opted for a new building that will be too small.

The OPW, the body which has responsibility for managing the State’s property portfolio, was informed by An Garda Síochána in January 2016 that a replacement site for the current command centre at Harcourt Square would need to be able to accommodate 1,090 personnel together with 366 vehicles.