Vol. 448 No. 1
49 Mr. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the progress, if any, that has been made towards the acquisition of property from Telecom Éireann to provide a back entrance to the Garda-Station in Ballincollig, County Cork. [1311/95]
The Department of Justice have a long-standing requirement for additional space at Ballincollig in order to improve access and security at this Garda station. The adjoining Telecom Éireann property, which contains two exchange buildings, was identified as being suitable to meet this need for extra space. In early 1991, the Office of Public Works inquired of Telecom as to the availability of the property but was informed that the exchange premises were still required for operational purposes and that the property was not therefore, available for disposal.
In late 1993 it was again suggested that the Telecom property was surplus to its requirements but, on inquiry, this proved not to be the case. Further investigation by Office of Public Works towards the end of 1994 ascertained that Telecom's plans to vacate its property were at an advanced stage. Following a feasibility study carried out by Office of Public Works, a portion of the Telecom site was identified as being suitable to meet the extra accommodation requirements and agreement to Office of Public Work's proposal has been sought from the Department of Justice. Telecom has recently informed Office of Public Works that its premises will not be available for disposal for a few weeks yet. It is understood that exchange equipment has yet to be removed from one of the buildings. It has, furthermore, been reported to Office of Public Works that the other building may currently be in use by a voluntary organisation apparently on foot of a local arrangement with Telecom.
It is expected that Telecom and Office of Public Works will shortly be in a position to conclude negotiations for the purchase by Office of Public Works of the requisite property.
