A new custody suite has opened for use in Monaghan Garda Station.
The upgrade to facilities include new cells and specific rooms for processing prisoners for finger prints, medical examinations, searches and testing for intoxicants.
New interview rooms and solicitor consultation areas are part of the upgrade.
Superintendent Patrick O'Connell of Monaghan Garda Station said the new custody suite has modernised the working environment as well as enhancing security and accommodation for prisoners.
It has also been separated from other parts of the garda station.
Supt O'Connell said: "The real benefit is that it is a self contained area, so there is no cross over with any victims of crime who may be in the station at the same time.
"This is particularly useful in domestic violence cases, where a victim may be in making a report to An Garda Síochána. There is no chance now that they will encounter the offender that they are reporting."
Chief Superintendent for Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Alan McGovern said the new upgraded custody suite also has additional safety measures to protect both gardaí and those in custody.
This includes a glass front at the reception area and self-contained processing rooms.
"There's less chance that if a prisoner becomes violent of people being injured, because you can isolate the issue in a particular area", he said.
The refurbishment works took 12 months to complete.
