Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
184. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Office of Public Works owned and-or managed and-or leased properties that have and are not being used and-or are vacant and-or are not yet assigned to a body by status, location and duration of vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35069/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW actively manages a portfolio of some 2,500 properties throughout the country, that ranges from office accommodation to heritage properties, visitors centres to Garda stations, among others. At any given time it is normal that a number of properties are vacant. In the case of the OPW portfolio, there are 98 properties currently vacant, reduced from over 200 that were vacant in 2014.
The majority of these are former Garda stations closed under the 2012/13 closure programme. As these stations were subject to examination under the recent policing review, the OPW was specifically requested not to dispose of them. Now that this review is completed, the future of the remaining stations will be determined.
When a property is deemed suitable for disposal, the OPW will, in the first instance, offer it for use to other public bodies (e.g. local authorities, LDA, HSE etc.) prior to it being placed on the open market.
Closed Garda Stations
An interim report of the Policing Authority identified six stations for re-opening on a pilot basis. These were -
- Ballinaspittle, Co. Cork
- Bawnboy, Co. Cavan
- Donard, Co. Wicklow
- Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow
- Rush, Co. Dublin
- Stepaside, Co. Dublin
This second review, carried out by the Garda Inspectorate, was published in December 2018. Following the publication of the review, the OPW and An Garda Síochána engaged in discussions to determine the future use of the former Garda stations. Following these discussions, An Garda Síochána advised the OPW in May 2019 that 47 of the former Garda stations are surplus to requirements. The OPW is now processing these properties in accordance with its disposal policy.
The OPW’s policy on disposal of surplus State property is as follows:
- Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by both Government departments and 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 Excheque
Sites
Sites in State ownership (OPW) range in size from a plot of ground measuring 300 square metres to one site of 31 acres. These sites were acquired over the years for a variety of uses including: customs posts, met stations, sites for the Courts Service or An Garda Síochána. They also include sites acquired for the purposes of the Government’s decentralisation programme for Government Departments/Offices.
The majority of these sites have been identified as being suitable for transfer to other State bodies or are being retained for future State development. The future use or disposal of the remainder is under consideration.
As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for it.
Alternative State use, in accordance with the OPW disposal policy, has been explored for each of those properties and sites identified as being prepared for disposal.
Leased Property
There is one vacant leased property at Clare Street, Dublin 2. The lease expires in January 2020 and will not be renewed.
Properties and sites not allocated or assigned
The following table identifies properties and sites that are not currently allocated to other State Bodies and excludes properties and sites that are being assigned for alternative State use, for transfer to other State Bodies and are under consideration for community use.
List of vacant Properties and Sites not assigned
|
County |
Location |
Property Type |
Size of Site |
Current status |
Year of last use |
|
Cavan |
Redhills |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2013 |
|
Cavan |
Stradone |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2002 |
|
Cavan |
Ballyconnell |
Former Customs Post Site |
0.3 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Cavan |
Farnham Road, Cavan Town |
Decentralisation Site |
10.8 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
2006 |
|
Clare |
Broadford |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Clare |
Doonbeg |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Clare |
Inagh |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Clare |
Lahinch |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Clare |
Quin |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Cork |
Woodville, Blarney |
Residence |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2010 |
|
Cork |
Adrigole |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Cork |
Ballyfeard |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Cork |
Ballygurteen |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Cork |
Clonakilty |
Former Agricultural Offices |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2014 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 4) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
1995 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 5) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2005 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 7) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
Pre 1983 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 8) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
Pre 1983 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 9) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
Pre 1983 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 10) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
Pre 1983 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven (cottage No. 11) |
Former Coastguard Cottage |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
1996 |
|
Cork |
Crosshaven |
Site |
1 acre |
Being prepared for disposal |
|
|
Cork |
Goleen |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Cork |
Knocknagree |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Cork |
Rathduff |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2013 |
|
Cork City |
McCurtain Street |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2013 |
|
Cork City |
St Luke's, Ballyhooley Road |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
1992 |
|
Donegal |
Ballyshannon |
Former Customs Post Site |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Donegal |
The Mall, Ballyshannon |
Residence |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2013 |
|
Donegal |
Bunbeg |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2008 |
|
Donegal |
Buncrana |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2007 |
|
Donegal |
Castlefin |
Residence |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
Early 1990s |
|
Donegal |
Castlefin |
Site |
0.2 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Donegal |
Malin |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Dublin |
10-11 Castle Street |
Building |
|
Retained for strategic purposes. |
1999 |
|
Dublin |
44 O'Connell Street |
Building |
|
Options being considered. |
2018 |
|
Dublin |
45 O'Connell street |
Building |
|
Options being considered. |
2018 |
|
Dublin |
Dalkey |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Dublin |
Spruce House / Leeson Lane |
Site |
0.5 acres |
Planning for new office development secured. |
|
|
Dublin |
Kill O'The Grange |
Site |
1 acre |
Alternative State use being examined. |
2007 |
|
Dublin |
Halston Street. (Former Debtors' Prison). |
Building |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2006 |
|
Dublin |
Hawkins House |
Building |
|
Options being considered. |
2018 |
|
Dublin |
Kill O'The Grange |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Galway |
Eyrecourt |
Site |
0.8 acres |
Being prepared for disposal |
|
|
Galway |
Ballymoe |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Galway |
Corrandulla |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Galway |
Kilconly |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Galway |
Kiltullagh |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Galway |
Leenane |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Galway |
Maam |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2004 |
|
Galway |
Letterfrack |
Site |
c. 0.84 acres |
Being prepared for disposal |
|
|
Galway |
New Inn |
Site |
0.82 acres |
Being prepared for disposal |
|
|
Galway |
Portumna |
Former DSP Office |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2013 |
|
Kerry |
Killarney (Muckross Road) |
Site |
0.62 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
1981 |
|
Kerry |
Ballylongford |
Residence |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2012 |
|
Kerry |
Camp |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Kerry |
Kilgarvan |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Kildare |
Rathangan |
Former Garda station |
|
Advertised for sale. |
2003 |
|
Laois |
Portlaoise |
Decentralisation Site |
9 acres |
Alternative State use |
2007 |
|
Leitrim |
Dromahair |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Leitrim |
Drumkeeran |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Leitrim |
Glenfarne |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2013 |
|
Leitrim |
Keshcarrigan |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Limerick |
Castletown Conyers |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Limerick |
Galbally |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Limerick |
Kilfinane |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Limerick |
Shanagolden |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
22012 |
|
Longford |
Ardagh |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Longford |
Ballinalee |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Louth |
Ferryhill |
Former Customs Post Site |
0.3 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Louth |
Carrickarnon |
Former Customs Post Site |
10 Hectares |
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Mayo |
Claremorris |
Decentralisation Site |
2.7 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
2007 |
|
Mayo |
Knock |
Decentralisation Site |
2.4 Hectares |
Being prepared for disposal |
2007 |
|
Mayo |
Ballina |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal |
2005 |
|
Mayo |
Ballyglass |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Mayo |
Bellacorrick |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Mayo |
Blacksod |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Mayo |
Hollymount |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Monaghan |
Castleblayney |
Former Customs Post Site |
3.6 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Monaghan |
Scotstown |
Site |
0.42 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
|
|
Monaghan |
Clontibret |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2012 |
|
Monaghan |
Clontibret |
Residence |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2012 |
|
Monaghan |
Corrinshigagh |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2013 |
|
Monaghan |
Newbliss |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2013 |
|
Monaghan |
Smithborough |
Former Garda station |
|
Alternative State use being examined. |
2012 |
|
Offaly |
Edenderry |
Decentralisation Site |
2.1 acres |
Alternative State use being examined. |
2007 |
|
Offaly |
Birr |
Former Met Station |
|
Being prepared for disposal. |
2009 |
|
Roscommon |
Knockcroghery |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Roscommon |
Tarmonbarry |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2012 |
|
Sligo |
Ballymote |
Former Garda station |
|
Being prepared for disposal. |
2009 |
|
Sligo |
Cliffoney |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Tipperary |
New Inn (Tipperary) |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Tipperary |
Rearcross |
Site |
0.5 acres |
Being prepared for disposal. |
|
|
Waterford |
Ardmore |
Building |
|
Being prepared for disposal. |
2010 |
|
Waterford |
Ballyduff |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
|
Wexford |
Roche's Road |
Former Garda station |
|
No alterntive State interest. Community interest. |
2017 |
|
Wicklow |
Ashford |
Former Garda station |
|
Options being considered. |
2003 |
|
Wicklow |
Hollywood |
Former Garda station |
|
OPW disposal policy following reviews of closed Garda stations |
2013 |
