Tenders to be sought for new South Ros Garda HQ shortly

Tenders are expected to be sought shortly for the long awaited refurbishment of the disused Clonark garda barracks to act as the headquarters for policing in South Roscommon, it was confirmed recently but it now seems highly unlikely the development will be complete by the original May timeframe. Responding to a query from the Westmeath Independent, The Office of Public Works said that tender documents relating to the South Roscommon-based station project are now at "an advanced state of preparation" and the tender process is expected to commence shortly, although it had been originally thought work would begin in the early days of 2010 and be finished by May. Planning permission was granted back in September last year for the new station facility at Clonark, a project which will see the renewal and adaptation of the old station building at Clonark, to provide up to date modern facilities for An Garda Siochana allowing them to provide modern policing services to the surrounding area. Since the new garda boundaries came into force at the beginning of 2009, a change that brought Roscommon and Longford into one division and responsibility for much of the south of the county and Ballinasloe under the bailiwick of Roscommon, gardai policing the area have been stationed on a temporary basis in Knockcroghery until the refurbishment of the disused Clonark barracks project is completed. Meanwhile, Independent Roscommon Councillor Jimmy Kenny said he has been informed by Supt Paul Glynn at a meeting of the County Roscommon Policing Committee on Monday, March 15 last, that it is proposed that work at Clonark Garda Station will soon commence and it is expected that this work will be completed by the end of this year. "This is a very positive development and is welcome news for all communities in the South Roscommon Area," Cllr Kenny said.