Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
236. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to reopen or develop a Garda station in County Wicklow (details supplied); if not, if he will consider allowing the use of the premises to a community group in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41857/21]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that An Garda Síochána notified the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the 6th August 2021 that there are no plans to redevelop the Garda station in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. The Garda station has been unoccupied since it was extensively damaged in 2003.
In line with the OPW’s policy for vacant and surplus properties, the Garda station in Ashford will now be prepared for disposal.
The OPW's disposals policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property including the former Garda station in Ashford 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 a 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).
