O’Shea Welcomes Appointment of Contractor and Commencement of Works on New Garda Station & Divisional HQ in Macroom

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has warmly welcomed confirmation that JJ Rhatigan & Company have been appointed as contractors to deliver the new Garda Station and Divisional Headquarters in Macroom, with works commencing on site today.

Deputy O’Shea said the development marks a major milestone for policing infrastructure in the region and a long-awaited step forward for Macroom and the wider Cork North West division.

The new Garda complex, to be constructed at Gurtenroe, Macroom, will comprise a modern two-, three- and four-storey building arranged around a secure internal courtyard, with adjacent secure car parking on a greenfield site. The facility will provide Garda members and staff with fit-for-purpose accommodation and modern operational facilities, representing a significant upgrade on the existing station.

Deputy O’Shea said “This is a very significant and welcome day for Macroom. The appointment of JJ Rhatigan & Company and the commencement of works on site is tangible progress on a project that has been badly needed for many years. Our Gardaí deserve modern, safe and functional facilities, and this new station and divisional headquarters will deliver exactly that.”

He added “I am also very much looking forward to welcoming the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan TD, and the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD, to Macroom later this month when they will officially turn the sod on this important capital project.”

Deputy O’Shea previously raised the need for progress on the project at national level and acknowledged the role of the OPW, which is managing the development on behalf of An Garda Síochána.

The current Macroom Garda Station dates back to approximately 1850, having been constructed during the Royal Victorian era for the former Royal Irish Constabulary, and has long been regarded as unsuitable for modern policing needs.

Welcoming the announcement, local Fine Gael Councillor Ted Lucey said “This project is long overdue, but it is fantastic to now see a contractor appointed and works underway. The conditions Gardaí have been working in are far from acceptable, and this new headquarters will make a real difference. It is great to see this project finally becoming a reality for Macroom.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying the development will strengthen policing capacity across Cork North West and demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to investing in frontline public services and regional towns.