Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the key issue that has confronted the OPW in dealing with this is the availability of properties to meet the different needs to which he has referred. I have been informed that this work began in November of last year and a full search of local property in Bandon took place to ensure that the various needs he has described are met. It appears at the moment that no such property is available. The district office staff members of the OPW were requested to commence an occupancy survey of the State-owned Garda station site itself, to see if it would be possible to extend those premises or make use of land there. This work is currently under way and a feasibility study is due to be carried out.

It was found that no other State-owned properties were available. A review of that is under way and local landlords and agents have been contacted. The OPW district office is now carrying out an architectural inspection of six different properties to see if it is possible to make use of them. There appears to be a lot of work under way in this regard. I acknowledge it is a matter that the Deputy wants to see resolved. It is now at the stage of visits to sites by fire officers. I hope one of these properties will yield a site suitable for the work to which the Deputy refers.

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