Upgrade works at Greystones Garda Station facing further delay
The Wicklow PeopleIt’s emerged essential upgrade works for Greystones Garda Station, which were due to be completed by the end of March this year, have been further delayed.
In August last year it was announced that Greystones Garda Station was part of an overall investment package of €1.5 million for the refurbishment and upgrade of garda stations in Tinahely, Shillelagh, Bray, Baltinglass, Wicklow town and Greystones.
The works at the station in Greystones were to include a female toilet, space reconfiguration and public access works. At the time of the announcement, plans for Greystones were at the design stage and the works were due to be completed by March 31. However, work has not started.
Having recently written to Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers about the status of the project, Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has learned the timeline has slipped yet again. It’s understood the project remains only at pre-tender stage, with no clear indication as to when it will proceed.
The Office of Public Works has indicated that works are now due to commence in 2026, however that is still subject to statutory obligations, final design sign-off, funding approval, the operational requirements of An Garda Síochána, and the internal approval processes of both An Garda Síochána and the OPW. In means further delays are almost inevitable.
Deputy Brady believes the continued slippage reflects a long-running pattern of government inaction on a project that has been urgently needed for nearly two decades.
“These are critically needed upgrades to a station that is simply not fit for purpose. It is disgraceful that despite years of commitments and announcements, not a single element of the refurbishment has begun.
“Greystones is a rapidly growing community, yet Gardaí are forced to operate from a cramped, outdated, and inadequate building with no certainty about when improvements will actually be delivered.”
Deputy Brady says the lack of progress has real consequences for policing and for the quality of service provided to the public.
“Because of the limited space, Garda numbers cannot be increased, and essential facilities remain substandard. This is affecting working conditions for Gardaí and undermining policing in the town. The Government’s repeated delays are failing both staff and the people of Greystones.”
He has vowed to continue pushing for a clear start date for the works.
“These upgrades are long overdue, and the continued delays are totally, totally unsatisfactory. Greystones deserves a Garda station that is modern, accessible, and capable of meeting the needs of the community.”