Garda Stations Closures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Questions (242)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

242. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform with five Government-owned buildings in County Monaghan recently identified as being long-term vacant, if details will be provided as to the location of each of these buildings; the plans being considered for their future use; if the opinion of Monaghan County Council has been sought as to the way these potentially valuable resources may be used in providing business stimulus and-or job creation opportunities for this country and the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32979/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The five vacant State owned properties identified in County Monaghan are the following former Garda stations: Clontibret, Corrinshigach, Newbliss, Shantonagh and Smithborough. The OPW is currently assessing the property options arising in respect of all closed Garda Stations including those in County Monaghan. The stated policy is to identify if other State Bodies, including government departments and the wider public sector has a use for the property. If there is no other State use for a property the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate much needed revenue for the Exchequer. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW would consider, community involvement subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property. The Office Of Public Works will engage with Monaghan County Council with regard to any interest the Local Authority may have in the above properties.