Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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219. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the reopening of the Fitzgibbon Street Garda station that was due in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43524/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The works to Fitzgibbon St Garda Station are being carried out in two phases. The first phase, which involved mainly external works, was completed in 2019. The second phase works commenced on site in January 2020 and are currently scheduled to be completed in March 2021.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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220. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a closed Garda station (details supplied) in County Kerry if it is still in the possession of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42875/20]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The former Garda station at Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry closed in 2013 as part of An Garda Síochána’s 2013 Policing Plan.

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that all surplus State owned properties, including the former Garda station at Kilgarvan, are treated in line with the disposals policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The OPW's disposals policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property 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).

The OPW received a submission from Kilgarvan Community Development in July this year requesting use of the former Garda Station for community purposes. Having considered the above alternative State use and disposal options, I understand that my officials have agreed to licence the property to Kilgarvan Community Development. The matter is currently with the Chief State Solicitors Office who will shortly issue the licence for signing by the relevant parties.