I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 261, 273 and 274 together.
A pilot equity exchange programme was developed to test the feasibility of exchanging clusters of small Garda stations which cannot be viably maintained on an ongoing basis in return for new modern facilities. The aim was to speed up the process of providing new modern facilities for the Garda Síochána and to do so as economically as possible from the viewpoint of the State. If the pilot proved successful, consideration would be given to extending it nationwide.
A firm of consultants was selected to manage the pilot programme. However, following an advertising campaign in the national press, the level of interest expressed was not adequate to meet the requirements of the programme. Accordingly, the consultants advised against the award of a contract to complete the pilot programme. In the pilot programme, proposals were invited from any interested party. No proposals were received from any local authority. The Commissioners of Public Works are considering how best to progress matters in the future.