Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine a request (details supplied) to use a closed Office of Public Works property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8849/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2012 and 2013 policing plans for An Garda Síochána identified 139 Garda stations for closure. Many of these properties reverted to the Office of Public Works (OPW) to identify an alternative State use or manage their disposal.

The policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW) with regard to non-operational (vacant) Garda Stations is to:

1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by Government departments or the wider public sector.

2. 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.

3. 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 financial means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are currently assessing the options for the former Garda Station at Ballylongford in line with the above policy. On completion of this process a decision will be taken as to the future use of the property.