Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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287. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are procedures in place in order to make disused buildings available to the community, for example old courthouses or Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36164/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The policy in relation to non-operational properties held by the Office of Public Works (OPW), such as the former Garda stations, is in the first instance to identify an alternative State use. If there is no identifiable State use, then the option of disposing of the property on the open market is considered, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer.

In the event that a sale does not proceed, community use of the property may be considered subject to the submission of an appropriate business case that demonstrates the capacity of the community/voluntary group to insure, maintain and manage the property. There are procedures in place in the OPW to assess each business case in accordance with established criteria.

I am advised by the Courts Service that it operates a similar policy and have procedures in place in relation to assessing community use of non-operational Courthouses.