J Block at Garda Headquarters, in Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, (Eircode D08 HN3X), has now been fully restored and re-opened. This project involved the full refurbishment of some 1,770 sq.m, of the two-storey, historic and protected structure; same to be now used as offices to accommodate a highly specialist unit within An Garda Síochána.
The Phoenix Park was chosen as the location for the constabulary originally in 1836, and the current buildings, which include the J Block, have been in use since 1923
The origins of the J Block building, itself, dates back to 1842, when it was a barracks and training building for recruits up until 1964, when the Garda Training College at Templemore, Co. Tipperary then took over.
As already stated, the J Block building was first used as a barracks and training building, later evolving to house administrative personnel and in more recent times, to serve as a base of operations for An Garda Síochána’s Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) department.
Now, following this significant refurbishment project, J Block has been modernised and will become home to the Roads Policing Bureau, the Community Engagement Bureau and Youth Diversion Bureau. The office of the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for Roads Policing and Community Engagement will also be based there.
This project involved some complex refurbishment works in a live, operational policing environment, requiring careful phasing and constant coordination to ensure the safety of Garda staff, subcontractors, and the buildings occupants.
Key elements of the refurbishment included:
- Replacement and restoration of approximately 80 historic sash windows.
- Repair and restoration of original external masonry.
- Complete replacement of the roof finish and flashings and the strengthening of the roof structure.
- Repair of eight original chimneys, including lead and copper flashings.
- Sensitive internal reorganisation to provide modern office spaces while respecting historic features.
- Removal of poor-quality rear extensions and prefabricated units, significantly improving both the building’s external presentation and staff amenity area.
- The additional of sustainable heating systems including an electrically powered heat pump.
- The upgrade of the building fabric where possible including increased insulation where possible.
All interventions were carried out with the utmost care for the character and physical fabric of this protected structure. The design and execution have ensured that the building remains in beneficial use for the long term, while also safeguarding its heritage value.
The overall cost of the refurbishment to the taxpayer has not been published as yet.
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