Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Bourke. One of the other projects mentioned in the report is the Morrison's Island project in Cork city and I know the delay in that regard is beyond the OPW's control. My understanding is that there are legal proceedings in train, on which I know the witnesses cannot comment. Will this matter be dealt with in the courts shortly? What stage are we at with this? That is one issue I wish to raise.

The second issue is totally different and concerns Glanmire Garda station. The OPW agreed to purchase the building in 2011 and it was not closed until 2017 and 2018. Interest was paid, however, for more than six years. My understanding is that a binding contract was signed by both the vendors and the State, which was the purchaser, yet it went to a full High Court hearing. The High Court held against the State. The building was bought and we paid out more than €360,000 between legal costs and interest on a building that only cost €760,000. In other words, we paid an additional 50% on top of the purchase price because someone decided there was no contract. I am aware the OPW did not make that decision but why decide not to go ahead with a purchase then six years later go ahead with it and deliver the Garda station? In the meantime, there was an inadequate facility for a Garda station in Glanmire for a further six years.