Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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228. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform what plans the OPW has for a farm (details supplied) which was previously acquired for the Garda College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17735/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The property referred to by the deputy was purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) in 2006 on behalf of An Garda Síochána in relation to the Garda Training College in Templemore. The property consists of a period house, which is not in habitable condition and lands of 256 acres. The lands are made up of 160 acres of good grazing land and 96 acres of mixed woodland. CPW are the legal owners of the land.

It was intended that the site would be used to locate a Garda Centre of Excellence and would enable the provision of a full range of outdoor tactical training, however, in 2008 as a result of the economic downturn the project to develop could not be progressed. Some off-road training facilities for use by the Garda Training College have been provided.

In March 2007, the Office of Public Works (OPW) arranged through a local auctioneer to let the lands on a short-term lease. The most recent lease expired on 31 January 2024.

In 2015, following the advices of Teagasc/Coillte, a programme of development/restoration of the lands commenced at the farm. The development/restoration of the farmlands is now complete and was funded from the letting of the lands. The period house has had roof and guttering repairs and security fencing has been put in place around the perimeter by the OPW. The fabric of the property is in good condition.

The long-term future of the property is under consideration by the OPW in consultation with An Garda Síochána, in line with their potential future requirements.