Work on Eden Garda Station to start soon

Works to return Edenderry Garda Station to its original condition are expected to begin within the month, the Offaly Independent has learned. The station was damaged last Halloween due to a malicious incident and since then officers have been working in a compromised environment. The Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed this week a proposed scope of works has been submitted to An Garda Siochana's housing section and plans are afoot to restore the station to its former condition along with some minor alterations to include a new public counter and screen. Edenderry's Sergeant Kevin Quinn said this week he's hopeful work will begin before the end of May. Edenderry councillor Noel Cribbin earlier revealed his intention to raise the issue at the next Edenderry Town Council meeting, saying that the temporary small public office with access through the station's rear door led to queues on numerous occasions. Sgt Quinn explained that conditions until the refurbishment work has been carried out are "congested". "There are two offices out of action," he said. He agreed that the acting public office is very small, with conditions less than top class for the public. An OPW spokesperson said this week the organisation has submitted works to the Garda housing section for information and observations. Sgt Quinn said as far as he's aware those observations have been completed. "It's moving on," he said. "By the end of the month I'd be hopeful there'd be some works ongoing." He estimated that once started works will take three to four weeks to complete. "It'll be an improvement for us," he concluded.