Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran turn sod on new Garda Station in Clonmel

• New station to serve as Community Engagement Hub for South Tipperary
• Major capital project under the National Development Plan 2026–2030

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan and Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Boxer Moran this morning turned the sod at the site of a new Garda Station in Clonmel. The official ceremony also attended by Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster officially marks the start of construction. The new Clonmel Garda station is expected to be completed in 2027.

The new station represents a major investment in policing, community safety and public infrastructure for the Clare/Tipperary Garda Division. It is central to delivering the Government’s commitment to build stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising facilities to tackle crime.

The Clonmel headquarters is one of many projects underway as part of a comprehensive programme of modernisation to improve Garda facilities nationwide.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan said:

“Clonmel Garda Station is a priority capital project under the National Development Plan 2026–2030. This new station will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for Gardaí and the community they serve.

This Government is resolute in its support for An Garda Síochána, shown by a record €2.59 billion allocation under Budget 2026.

Through investment in facilities such as Clonmel, the Government is delivering on our commitment to ensure Gardaí have the necessary resources to prevent and detect crime while building stronger and safer communities.”

The location at the heart of Clonmel on the Kickham Barracks site allows the station to serve as the Community Engagement Hub for South Tipperary. The 3,600 square metres of this facility will include modern offices, conference facilities, staff support areas and custody suites.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said:

“An Garda Síochána and our Garda personnel serving Clonmel are looking forward to the development of this new Station in Clonmel, which will aid us in continuing to keep people safe in South Tipperary.

“The new Garda Station will provide fit-for-purpose accommodation for Garda personnel delivering policing services for the area. The National Development Plan, recently updated by the Government, will fund An Garda Síochána’s Capital Programme, which will modernise important elements of our large estate. This project is a core element of the Capital Programme, and I look forward to its completion.”

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Boxer Moran said:

“I am delighted to be here today at a significant milestone in the delivery of a New Garda Station for the people of Clonmel.

“I look forward to seeing the progress over the coming period and I have no doubt that upon completion this new Garda Station will provide members of An Garda Síochána with a work environment that is modern and appropriate ensuring they continue to deliver their invaluable service to the Clomnel community and surrounding area.

“This project is one of many significant capital projects that the OPW, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice are collaborating on. It is an example of our commitment to delivering fit for purpose places of work.”

Notes

Clonmel Garda Station will serve as the Community Engagement Hub Headquarters.

The project consists of 2 buildings with a separate single-storey ancillary building to the rear with vehicular and pedestrian entrances. The Construction schedule expects completion in 2027.

Following the formation of the current Government, a review of the National Development Plan (NDP) was required. In that context, a review of the Garda Capital Investment Programme for the years 2025-2035 was implemented in consideration of the current and long-term needs of An Garda Síochána.

In keeping with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, a Primary Business Case (PBC) for the redevelopment of Clonmel Garda Station was completed and approved. The Final Business Case (FBC) was submitted to the Department by An Garda Síochána on 15 August 2025, that determined the most cost effective and preferred option as the development of the new purpose-built facility on the existing site in Clonmel capable of meeting all needs. On 17 October 2025 the Department provided approval to proceed to tender and award a contract for the construction of a new Garda Station project to the successful bidder.

As of 30 September 2025, there were 672 Garda members assigned to the Clare/Tipperary Division, with 22 probationer Gardaí assigned in 2025, who work alongside 90 Garda staff who, in turn, support Garda members for frontline policing duties.

The potential impact of the design of the new Garda Station building and the proximity of the new Garda Station building to the existing plaza and canopy area were both considered during the design stage of the project. The matter of the proximity to the existing plaza and canopy area has been reviewed with the contractor and the contractor has confirmed that they will make provisions to protect against damage to all adjoining property, including the canopy.