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THE GOVERNMENT HAS announced plans for the disposal of the 139 garda stations it has closed in the last two years with at least 20 to be sold on the open market by the summer.
The stations will also be assessed for use by other state bodies and in some cases the properties may be given to community and voluntary groups for their use with the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirming that around 20 groups have so far expressed an interest.
The government controversially announced the closure of 100 garda stations last year in addition to the 39 it closed in 2011.
All but four of these have since been closed and gardaí redeployed elsewhere as part of efforts to cut the overall cost of An Garda Síochána and now the government plans to make use of these derelict properties subject to an audit.
Minister of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes, explained: “Clearly these stations are surplus to requirements and their disposal will make savings for the taxpayer on utilities, maintenance and ongoing security costs.
“The last thing we want to see are former Garda stations in a derelict condition, that’s why I am announcing a new policy today.”
The government intends to find other State use for the properties or to sell them on the open market – a bundle of 20 will go on sale by the summer – but if neither of these options are achieved they will consider applications from various community and voluntary groups.
Last year, Hayes announced that the OPW was leasing the former Finglas Garda station building to a childcare company in the area as part of a rationalisation of the State’s property portfolio which Hayes said was a “perfect example of a common sense approach”.
In a statement today, Hayes said of derelict former garda stations: ”Other State agencies and bodies should have a first call on the sites concerned.
“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 funds for the State.
“I have made it clear that I want the first bundle of 20 Garda stations to be on the market by the summer.”
The OPW has said that around 20 community and voluntary groups have expressed an interest inusing the properties for events such as amateur dramatics, parents’ association meetings, festival committees, active retirement facilities and children’s parties.
Hayes added that while it was the government’s priority to sell the properties or obtain other State uses for them it would “seriously consider” proposals from community groups “with a proven track record in delivering local services”.
“I have an open mind on this and have been impressed by the quality of some of the representations made to me by interested groups,” he said.
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Religious beliefs should be kept within the privacy of the home.
@Leadóg: Same with liberalism.
@specialsue: I disagree. Liberalism is based on real life, religion on fairy tales.
@Leadóg: you have proof of this?
@Seamus Mac: Read the old testament and tell me its not pure fantasy.
@Leadóg: that wasn’t what i asked.
@Seamus Mac: Why are you so against the removal of the reference to blasphemy in the Constitution?
@Seamus Mac: you can’t prove a negative. There is a teapot orbiting the sun. Prove it wrong.
@Seamus Mac: you have a holiday entitlement at work yeah? Liberalism.
@Kian: i didn’t say anything about liberalism.
@tel: maybe there is
@CrabaRev: because it’s a waste of time & money. It’s being done because it annoys atheists.
Vote no to keep separation of church and state. The government shouldn’t have the right to attack the sincerely held religious beliefs of those who elected them and pay their salaries. Catholic and proud, no apologies.
@specialsue: if you believe in separation of church and state, how do you feel about the church having control over most of the school and hospitals in this country?
@Tweety McTweeter: Nothing stopping the government setting up their own schools and hospitals. The church built these institutions and managed them for decades. Now somehow it’s the church being interfering by running the schools and hospitals they have always run, that the government showed no interest in until recently.
@specialsue: No thanks. I value freedom of speech not theocracy.
@Daniel Donovan: Hate speech isn’t free speech. It’s wrong to use slurs against racial groups, why not religious groups?
@Tweety McTweeter: specialsue is an especially poor troll. You’re wasting your time pointing out the obvious flaws and contradictions in their posts.
@specialsue: “interfering” is the appropriate word. No better establishment can beat them on that.
@specialsue: You should look up the Scientology policy of fair gaming and then see if you feel the same way…
@specialsue: “The government shouldn’t have the right to attack the sincerely held religious beliefs of those who elected them and pay their salaries. Catholic and proud, no apologies.”
This will be the people voting to remove the stupid law, I can’t wait to see it gone.
@specialsue: Emmm..Not so sure about that. The country was on it’s knees post – independence and so the church was in an ideal position to fill that vacuum having gone pretty much unchallenged for decades and perhaps centuries, British interference and opposition accepted, for better or worse, depending on your view. Regarding religious convictions or lack thereof, noone should have to apologise for their views on religion.
@specialsue: if they run all these institutions without touching kids, selling babies or murdering babies then people might have a different view. Personally I think it’s about time any sort of religion was kept private.
The website to check if you are registered is appalling
@Ross Fehily: I am registered, and it took me ages to find myself on the check the register yolk.
@Ross Fehily: all you have to do is put in your name and address (and not use a space at the end)
I have no understanding of apathy towards voting.
@2thFairy: Same pal, its funny that you always hear people complain about things and when you ask do they vote and its always the same “whats the point, nothing ever changes”.
@2thFairy: Maybe you didn’t have the experience of voting for a Social Democrat who switched to a party you’ve never voted for not long after he was elected.
How can some voters not be apathetic with those shenanigans?
I’ll be voting for Gemma Doherty
I was registered, voted in every referendum and election for the past 16 years but checked there and it says im not registered. Bit odd that, id recommend everyone who is registered to double check to confirm it.
Phukin Jayzz
Likely to be perceived as 9.8 toxic (but only 1.2 as spelt)
- will the Journal recalibrate this scale if the old blasphemy is given the ok?
I’m being extorted for PRSI, USC (Bank Bail Out Tax), Family home tax and work tax aka Income tax. For some reason, I got this letter through the door from the state on blasphemy.
Total bullshit the taxpayerpaid full stop
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