Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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517. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality why An Garda Síochána will not release the old garda station at Glenfarne, County Leitrim, back to the local community despite the fact the building has not been used as a garda station for many years (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29379/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational decisions related to the Garda Estate. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions. Additionally, the Garda Estate is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of An Garda Síochána, and the OPW is responsible for works carried out on the Estate, in close co-operation with Garda management.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a recent site visit to the old Garda Station in Glenfarne has confirmed that the building has now fallen into disrepair as it has not been used for some time. Both Garda Estate Management and OPW are committed to prioritising premises that are in full time use with multiple personnel on a daily basis. The intention is that all expenditure should benefit not only the strategic goals of the Garda organisation, but also the greatest number of personnel possible.

I have been informed that there are other opportunities for development and refurbishment in the Sligo/Leitrim Division, which are a greater priority in terms of operational need and value for money. I have also been informed that, consequently, Garda Estate Management proposes to notify OPW that Glenfarne can be relinquished as part of the ongoing Garda Estate realignment.