Upgrade of Cork garda station 'a prime example of commitment to community policing' 

Coachford Garda Station was officially reopened on Friday morning following a 12-month refurbishment project.

The station was officially reopened by An Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster and minister of state for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Foster outlined the station in Coachford is a prime example of the commitment by An Garda Síochána to community policing.

She also commented that work is to commence on the new garda station in Macroom shortly, with the hope that the turning of the sod will take place there during the third quarter of this year.

The public office at Coachford Garda Station will be open to members of the community between 10am and 1pm daily, with two gardaí and a sergeant returning to the station.

Milestone

Speaking to The Echo, Cork North West Fianna Fáil TD Aindrias Moynihan said the re opening of station is a much welcomed return for the local community in Coachford.

“It is a big milestone. It is a great positive message for the Coachford community as well, that the gardaí are doing up the place, getting it reopened and maintaining a strong presence in the area. It’s vote of confidence in Coachford and the wider area.”

Mr Moynihan added: “It didn’t all happen overnight. That background work, we are able to see the fruits of it today.”

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea added it is important rural communities such as Coachford maintain a Garda presence.

“It is lovely to see that there is more and more rural garda stations being upgraded. When the staff are here, it is important that they have the facilities to work here and to meet people here by appointment.

“That is the most important thing, we would like to see more of these rolled out across the county and country going forward.

“It is great to see that it is totally refurbished to modern day standards. It is great to see them progressing it along the way.”

Coachford Garda Station is also now wheelchair accessible. A loop system has been installed to assist people with hearing impairments and the building has also been brought up to an A-rated energy efficiency standard.