Part IX Planning - ESB substation - Portlaoise Garda Station

THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS IN IRELAND FOR AND ON BEHALF OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA

In accordance with the provisions of Part 9 of S.I. No. 600/2001, Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), give notice of their intention to carry out the following development: Construction of site development works at Portlaoise Garda Station, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 XW68.

The proposed development will consist of:

a) The construction of a single storey, non-habitable building to house ESB equipment to connect the extended Garda Station buildings and the site to the electricity network.

b) Proposed attached single storey extensions to the north and south gate lodges located within the existing station / fort walls.

c) Site development works also include the installation of a new telecommunications mast 7m high installed at existing building roof level. The antenna structure is proposed to be erected on the east side of the flat roof of the new standalone building on Site C.

d) The provision of EV parking spaces and chargers to facilitate operational requirements at the new Portlaoise Garda HQ.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening was undertaken for the proposed development. It concluded that there will be no potential for significant effects on any Natura 2000 sites, either alone or in combination with, any other plans or projects.

A preliminary examination for Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken for the proposed development. It concluded that as there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment, an EIA is not required.

Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

The above mentioned Preliminary Examination for EIA may be inspected online at the following website: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultations

Drawings and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection by appointment * only and within two working days’ notice between 10.00am and 12.30pm and between 2.30pm and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday for a period of 6 weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice at:

Major Projects, Office of Public Works, 1GQ, Georges Quay, Dublin 2, D02 Y098

and at

Portlaoise Garda Station Temporary Public Office, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 XW68

* Appointments for viewing should be sent to portlaoise_dv@garda.ie or Tel: 057 867 4112 or portlaoisegs2018@opw.ie or Tel: 046 942 6000

Submissions and/or observations on the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area, may be made in writing within a period of 6 weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice to:

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, Office of Public Works, Major Projects, 1GQ, Georges Quay, Dublin 2, D02 Y098

Date of Notice: 12th March 2026