Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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236. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 304 of 17 November 2020, if he will provide an updated list of vacant properties in the same format; the estimated value of each property; and if any of these properties have been earmarked for use as a regional work hub. [32868/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the there are currently 75 vacant properties. Over half of these are former Garda stations that closed under the 2012/2013 policing plans of An Garda Síochána.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) recommenced its disposal programme of the former Garda stations in 2019 following two reviews of closed Garda stations. However, this programme was again interrupted by Covid-19 related lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.

It is proposed, subject to pandemic restrictions, to auction a number of properties in 2021 with more planned for auction in 2022.

As of June 2021, there are 39 former Garda stations closed under the 2012 and 2013 Policing Plans that are under consideration for alternative State use, disposal or community use. 

Of the remainder of non-operational or vacant properties listed below, a number are in the process of being transferred to Local Authorities, being considered/prepared for disposal, are under consideration for community use or are being retained for alternative State use.

As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for it. Alternative State use, in accordance with the OPW disposal policy, has been explored for each of those properties identified as being prepared for disposal.

Any decision regarding the use of State property for use as a regional hub is a matter for the Department of Rural and Community development in the first instance. Following the recent announcement of additional funding by the Minister for Rural and Community Development for town and village renewal, the OPW wrote to each relevant Local Authority advising them of the funding available and the arrangements being put in place by the OPW to have the vacant former Garda stations made available to the Local Authorities for community use.

Similarly, the OPW has provided the same list to the Department of Rural and Community Development to consider the properties for community use or for regional hubs.

The responses to the above engagement will determine the future of the remaining stations, i.e. whether they are assigned to Local Authorities for community use or the Department of Rural and Community Development for regional hubs. If the properties are not required, the OPW will proceed and dispose of the properties on the open market.

The vacant surplus properties are not valued by the OPW in advance of sale. The Auctioneer selected following a procurement process values the properties. The Auctioneer will place an Advised Minimum Value (AMV) on the properties in advance of sale but the market will ultimately determine the value of the properties for sale.

List of vacant Properties (Buildings) – June 2021