A planned walkout by gardaí based at Sligo station, a regional headquarters described as "not fit for purpose", has been deferred following commitments from Garda management and the Office of Public Works.
The Garda Representative Association had served notice of its intention to vacate the building yesterday.
The threatened walkout followed a report by Michael Reilly & Associates engineers, which found that the building was a fire trap, that it was a serious health and safety hazard and was too small to cater for the current workforce.
Rodent invasions
The report highlighted a number of serious issues including “rodent invasions” , an antiquated heating system, “third-world” toilet facilities and cells which had no washing facilities and inadequate ventilation, and which, because of their layout, presented a risk to gardaí dealing with violent prisoners.
The GRA confirmed it had deferred the walkout after being assured that some offices would be relocated, creating more space for gardaí, and that urgent remedial works would be carried out immediately .
The OPW pointed out that a new Garda station has been approved for Sligo under the Garda capital programme, and was to be provided under a public-private partnership.
It said that the toilets at the station were refurbished recently.
Refurbishment
In a statement the OPW said it had tendered works for the complete refurbishment of the cells at Sligo Garda station under An Garda Síochána’s anti-ligature programme “and it is envisaged that this contract will be awarded shortly”.
The Garda Press Office confirmed talks were ongoing, and said management appreciated the concerns raised by members and “is seeking ways to resolve these concerns”.
The GRA, which described the building as “not fit for purpose”, said that part of it dated back to the 1800s.
The station accommodates 133 gardaí, 16 Garda Reserves and 14 civilian staff.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald announced in October last year that Sligo would get a new station.
