The first sods of a new state-of-the-art building at the Garda College in Templemore were turned by the Minister for Justice today.
The four storey administration block will contain classrooms, a library, recreation rooms, study rooms, physical education facilities and a number of offices.
Mr McDowell said he hoped the building would be fully functional within 15 months. "What we are marking today is the commencement of the first phase of works within the Garda College itself," the minister said.
He also revealed over 10,500 applications by aspirant were received before the closing date of the latest recruitment drive on December 17 th.
Almost 1,100 new recruits will join the Garda College this year, while 525 new gardaí will graduate in 2005, Mr McDowell said.
He said the new recruits meant that he would have acheived his target of 14,000 Gardaí serving or training by the end of next year.
"The additional Gardaí will not be put on administrative duties," he insisted. "They will be put directly into frontline, operational, high-visibility policing."
He said the Garda budget would rise by €11 million this year to €124 million by 2009.