Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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210. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if premises (details supplied) could be leased to a local youth group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39894/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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As part of the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Policing Authority was asked to oversee a review of closed Garda stations with a view to reopening some of these and the Policing Authority are currently carrying out the review. The outcome of the review, which has yet to be completed, may impact on any decision that the Commissioners of Public Works reach with regard to the future use of this property.

The policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW) with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property, including the former Garda station at Bawnboy, Co. Cavan is to:

1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either 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 a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the 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 the future use of the property is currently being considered in line with OPW stated policy and, upon completion of this review, a decision will be made.

The Commissioners of Public Works continually engage with key Local Authority stakeholders and other State Bodies to ensure that property is not disposed of when it might be deemed suitable for alternative State use.