asked the Minister for Finance in relation to the position of the Garda station at Watercourse Road, Blackpool, Cork, if he will state: (a) how long the Garda station at Watercourse Road, Blackpool, has been awaiting repairs and left idle; (b) the amount of money paid to date to private indiviuals for the rent of the temporary office space next door, over a snooker club; and (c) when it is envisaged that work to the station will be completed; and the repairs necessary.
Written Answers. - Cork Garda Station.
187.
The Commissioners of Public Works advise as follows:
(a) The Garda station at Watercourse Road, Blackpool, Cork, was vacated in February 1981 to allow the commissioners carry out a programme of dry rot eradication preparatory to modernisation of the premises. In September 1981 following completion of dry rot eradication works, but before commencement of modernisation works, the Department of Justice indicated that the Garda did not propose to reoccupy the premises but would continue to remain in occupation of the temporary Garda station pending provision of a new station. This situation currently obtains.
(b) It is not the commissioners' policy to divulge such confidential information arising from a business transaction as the amount of rent payable in respect of the office space next door.
(c) It is proposed to construct a new station on the existing site. Preliminary planning is in hand. A timetable for the project has yet to be concluded.