James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the use of a building (details supplied) by the OPW; his plans to transfer ownership to a public body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16900/19]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that there are no plans, at this time, to transfer the property to another public body.

Following the closure of the Garda station on Roche’s Road, Wexford on the 22^ndSeptember 2017 the Office of Public Works (OPW) sought alternative State use for the property.

There is no Central Government requirement for accommodation in the former Garda Station and no alternative State requirement for the property has materialised following engagement with Wexford County Council, the Health Service Executive and Tusla.

The OPW had agreed to enter into a lease arrangement with the Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service for the part of the property known as the Sergeant's quarters.  However, the Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service advised the OPW on the 19^thFebruary 2019 that they were to be provided with alternative accommodation in Wexford and no longer required the Sergeant’s Quarters.

Wexford Community Services Council who currently occupy the adjoining property have also expressed an interest in acquiring the former Garda station property.  They are conducting a review of the property to establish if it can meet their needs, subject to the costs of refurbishment.

If the Wexford Community Services Council decide not to proceed with acquiring the property, the OPW will again establish if there is any alternative State use for the property prior to disposing of it on the open market.