Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
352. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when it is proposed to dispose of a disused Garda station (details supplied); the method by which it will be sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8149/17]
View answerThe OPW's Disposal Policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property including the former Garda station at Leenane, Co. Galway is to:
- Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government departments or the wider public sector.
- If there is no other State use identified 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 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 may consider community involvement (subject to detailed written submission which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are currently assessing the options for the property at Leenane, Co. Galway in line with the above policy. On completion of this process a decision will be taken as to a future use for the building.
It should be noted that as part of the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Policing Authority has been asked to carry out a review of closed Garda stations and the outcome of this review may impact on any decision that the Commissioners reach with regard to the future use of this property.
The future use of the former Garda station at Leenane, Co. Galway will be determined once the review has concluded.
