Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2019
188. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter regarding an application by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23198/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Office of Public Works (OPW) was requested not to dispose of any closed Garda stations pending the outcome of two reviews of closed Garda stations.
The first review identified six closed Garda stations for reopening and the second review, published on the 21 December 2018, did not identify any further closed Garda stations for reopening.
An Garda Síochána has recently advised the OPW that they no longer have an interest in the former Garda station at Moyvane and the Commissioners of Public Works have now recommenced the process of identifying alternative State use for the property, in line with OPW's disposal policy on surplus vacant property.
The OPW policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property, including the former Garda station at Moyvane is to:
1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.
2. 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.
3. 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).
If it is established that there is no alternative State use for the property, the Commissioners of Public Works will then consider the future use of the property and, in that regard, consideration will be given to the business plan submitted by the community group in Moyvane, Co. Kerry.
