Garda Station Closures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Questions (231)

Noel Harrington

Question:

231. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has received expressions of interest from any State bodies to use a former Garda station (details supplied); if he will confirm that he has received a submission from a community group interested in acquiring the premises; if he will give an indicative timescale for a decision to be made on the future use of the former Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The stated policy in relation to the closed garda stations, including Goleen, is to identify if other State Bodies, including government departments and the wider public sector have a use for the property. If no other State use is identified, the Office of Public Works (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 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.

The Commissioners of Public Works are currently assessing the options for this property and I can confirm that the OPW have received a submission from a local community group interested in licensing the property.