Mr. Martin Bourke:

I thank the Chairman and Deputy Devlin. The programme to close the Garda stations announced that 139 Garda stations would close. As of today, alternative State use is under consideration for 45 stations. Nine stations have been assigned for community use. It has been announced that six stations will be reopened. Twelve of the properties have serving or retired members of An Garda Síochána on the property so they will not be repurposed at the moment. Four stations are required by An Garda Síochána for various operational reasons, exercises, etc. Ten stations have been retained for alternative State use. Some 44 stations have been disposed of and sold, mainly on the open market. Nine stations that were closed were leased, and those leases have been surrendered.