Garda station to re-open in time for Puck Fair

July 1995

THE Killorglin Garda Station, which is undergoing refurbishment by the Office of Public Works at a cost of £125,000 is to re-open in time for Puck Fair with an increase of about one third in space.

The work involves the incorporation of the former married quarters into the operations area of the building. The town’s Garda force is meanwhile operating from a commercial premises directly opposite the station.

“There had been major refurbishment in living memory, Superintendent Michael Maher told The Kerryman.

“The existing premises was too small for the needs of Killorglin today,” he said.

“We were very pleased that the OPW decided to renovate the existing building because it’s right in the centre of the town,” Supt Maher continued.

“It makes the Garda Station an integral part of the town. We were fortunate too that there was a commercial premises available so close by for us to rent as a temporary base.

The superintendent said they accepted the old station was run down. He said the new look would complement the work of the local community to make the town more visually pleasing.

The work on the building will include the provision of power points for computer1 terminals and other new technology which may be installed at a future date.

The Gardai continued to operate from the station during the initial stages of the work, but they vacated the premises three weeks ago. It is hoped to have at least the ground floor operational in-time for the traditional Puck Fair gathering which is usually a busy time for the force.

The members serving in Killorglin are Sergeant Michael O’ Leary, Garda Siobhan O’Keeffe, Garda James McEnery, Garda Gerry Foley, Garda Gerard O’Driscoll and Garda Pat Healy.

The garda station at Listowel is also currently undergoing refurbishment.

Bill Kirby pouring a glass of champagne for Gordon Banks and Seamus O’Mahony of Radio Kerry.