Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that all surplus properties, including the former Garda station at Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon are treated in line with the disposal policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The OPW 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.

1. 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.

1. 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).

In line with the above policy, the OPW has sought alternative State use for the property but to-date no State requirement has been identified.

The former Garda station in Ballyforan is currently being prepared for public auction in 2022/2023.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) that the Chief State Solicitor’s Office is in the process of drafting Lease Agreements between the CPW and Roscommon County Council for the former Garda station properties at Knockcroghery, Tarmonbarry and Ballintober in County Roscommon.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The former Garda Station in Ballymoe, Co. Galway was one of the 139 Garda stations identified in An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plans for 2012/2013 as no longer required for operational purposes. The OPW’s policy with regard to closed Garda stations is as follows:

1. Identify, in the first instance, if other State Bodies, including government departments and the wider public sector has a use for the property.

2. If there is no other State use 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 much needed 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 can consider community use subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and provide a benefit to the wider community.

Disposal of this property was delayed to allow consideration of an approach by a Community Group to occupy this property as a licensee. To make allowance for the impacts of Covid, extended time has been given to this Group to prepare their proposal. If received, this proposal will be considered, and a decision made to either license the Group to occupy the property or prepare the property for disposal.