The sod has been turned for a new garda station in Macroom, Co Cork.
The new station will also serve as the new divisional headquarters for the Cork County Garda Division.
Those behind the project have said it represents a significant investment in policing, community safety, and public infrastructure for the south of the country.
The project consists of the development of a two, three and four-storey building with three standalone single-storey ancillary buildings as well as secure parking facilities.
The new facility will comprise of over 4,300sq.m of modern offices, conference facilities, staff support areas and custody suites.
The new station will be located in Gurteenroe and will replace the building housing the existing garda station in Macroom that has been in use since the 1850s.
JJ Rhatigan, the lead contractor for the project, has said the total value of the new Macroom Garda Station will be €48m.
The construction of the new station is being delivered under the Garda Capital Investment programme and follows engagement between An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Justice.
They three bodies have said that the new divisional HQ for Cork County is central to delivering the "government's commitment to build stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising facilities to tackle crime".
Under the plans, the office of the Chief Superintendent for Cork County, Vincent O'Sullivan will move from Bandon to the newly built divisional headquarters in Macroom.
The new headquarters is said to be more centrally located in what is a vast garda division.
It will bring several specialist garda units in the division, including the unit that deals with serious crime, under one roof.
The construction of the new garda station has already begun and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2028.
'Important milestone'
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, and Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran attended the sod turning on location in Macroom this morning.
Commissioner Kelly said it marks an "important milestone" for both An Garda Síochána and the local community.
He said: "This development reflects a significant capital investment in policing infrastructure and will provide garda personnel with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities to support the delivery of a responsive, community-focused policing service across Macroom and the wider County Cork area."
Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice said the new station in Macroom represents a "major investment" in policing, community safety and public infrastructure for the Cork Garda Division.
Minister Jim O'Callaghan said: "It is central to delivering the government's commitment to build stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising facilities to tackle crime.
"Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed to deliver an effective and professional policing service. Having modern stations across the country are central to delivering on that commitment," the minister added.
Minister Moran said: "This project showcases the close collaboration between the OPW, An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, highlighting their unified approach to delivering major capital projects.
"It is an example of Government's commitment to delivering modern work environments with the capacity to meet future demands."
He added: "I look forward to seeing its progress over the coming months and am confident that, upon completion, this new Garda Station will provide members of An Garda Síochána with a fit for purpose work environment ensuring they can continue to deliver their invaluable service to community of Cork and surrounding area."
Meanwhile, Councillor Michael Looney, Chairperson of the Macroom Local Electoral Area, said today was a "great day" for the town.
He said the new garda station will be a massive addition to Macroom and such infrastructural projects are helping to put the town on the map and promote it as a tourism hub.
