Issue Date: 16th May 2024
Today, Thursday 16th May 2024, the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris formally re-opened An Spidéal Garda Station, together with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee T.D. and Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Kieran O’Donnell T.D.
The re-opening follows a programme of works, which began last year and involved the decommissioning of an existing prefabricated building and the building of a solid permanent building in its place on an existing site in An Spidéal along Mountain Road.
There are currently two members attached to An Spidéal Garda Station, both native Irish speakers, who continued to provide a service to the local community operating from Indreabhán Garda Station during the period of works.
Following completion of the works a handover of the new Garda Station took place on the 18th December 2023, and members have been operating from An Spidéal since then.
The upgrading of this station has led to a number of benefits to the community and those Gardaí serving here including the provision of modern office facilities and wheelchair accessibility.
In addition, it has enabled the introduction of an electric vehicle (EV), the first for An Garda Síochána in the Connemara Gaeltacht following the installation of an EV charging point at An Spidéal Garda Station.
Today’s event marks the formal opening.
During the event, Commissioner Harris said: "An Garda Síochána remains committed to community policing and the investment in An Spidéal Garda Station is a prime example of this. Today’s formal opening is a positive reflection of our dedication to providing a modern policing service to the people of Ireland.
"I know that these facilities will further strengthen our capabilities here in County Galway, as an effective and efficient police service dedicated to guarding the peace and upholding the rule of law."
