Waterford Garda Station becomes first station in country to have mural

A brand new mural has been painted on Waterford Garda Station in Ballybricken.

The station is the first in the country to feature a mural on an exterior wall.

The piece was completed by Cork artist Garreth Joyce as part of this year’s Waterford Walls festival.

The unique collaboration between the station and Waterford Walls was unveiled last Wednesday morning.

Speaking on the morning, Superintendent Gavin Hegarty of Waterford Garda Station said the mural further connects An Garda Siochana to the local community.

“We were delighted to partner with Waterford Walls on the project for this fantastic mural, which depicts how we see the Garda involvement in our community. 

"I think it reflects the ethos of what An Garda Siochana is about, being involved in our community, working with our young people, and working in our communities to make them safe. 

"I hope it brightens up the area and we’re delighted with it."

Explaining the process of getting the work over the line, he added: “Garda David Browne, one of our community policing members, engaged with the Waterford Walls committee, who do fantastic work across the city in the arts, and now they have made use of what was a dead space in the Garda Station on this gable wall.

"We had a vision for it, and we worked very well with the artist Garrett, who was fantastic to deal with. 

"To see it coming together is just brilliant.” 

John O'Connell, Executive Director of Waterford Walls, said the new mural at the station is one of the highlights of this year's festival.

"We’re in our eleventh year now and we have 35 artists from all over the world coming to the city to paint walls throughout the city."

Other areas being painted this year include the back of Dooley's Hotel, Thomas Street Pocket Park and a wall on Merchant's Quay.