The sod has been turned for a new garda station in Macroom, Co Cork.
The long-awaited station will also serve as the new divisional headquarters for the Cork County Garda Division.
Those behind the project say 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 facility will comprise of over 4,300 sq.m of modern offices, conference facilities, staff support areas and custody suites.
The station will be located in Gurteenroe and will replace the building housing the existing garda station in Macroom which has been in use since the 1850s.
lead contractor for the project JJ Rhatigan said the total value of the new Macroom Garda Station will be €48m.
The construction 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.
The three bodies said 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 Macroom - the location 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.
Construction 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 in Macroom.
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."
Minister O'Callaghan said the new station represents a "major investment" in policing, community safety and public infrastructure for the Cork Garda Division.
He added: "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."
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."
Meanwhile, Councillor Michael Looney, Chairperson of the Macroom Local Electoral Area, said it 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.
