Published: Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 7:30pm

Clonark Garda Station moves to tender stage

by Deirdre Verney

Unlikely project will be finished by end of year

Tenders are out for the long awaited Clonark Garda Station project but it now looks extremely unlikely that the project will be delivered before the end of the year, more than twelve months later than the original timeframe.

The full revamp of the disused Clonark Garda station site, due to serve as the main headquarters for law enforcement in South Roscommon was originally set be complete by May this year, but has been at a standstill since it was approved planning permission back in September 2009.

An OPW spokesperson confirmed to the Westmeath Independent this week that tenders are now being sought for the Clonark Station project prior to the closing date at the end of July, pointing out that applications are already coming in are currently being assessed for the job.

The Office of Public Work wouldn't be drawn on when they expect a contractor to be appointed but it's unlikely to happen until September at the earliest with work beginning thereafter.

This leaves the chances of the development being finished before the end of 2010 fairly slim, given the slow progress of the plans to this stage, with gardai patrolling the area located in a temporary base in Knockcroghery until the new barracks is up and running.

Two buildings at the rear of the site will be demolished under the plans, and a complete re-development of the disused barracks provide state-of-the-art facilities for An Garda Síochána, allowing them to provide policing services to the surrounding areas.

In January last year, the station revamp plans were first announced after new garda boundaries came into force bringing the majority of the south of the county under the responsibility of the new garda district in Roscommon town. Areas like Ballydangan, Clonark, Kiltoom and Crannagh, previously the responsibility of Ballinasloe and Athlone Garda Stations, all now come under the altered jurisdiction.

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