OPW to sell vacant garda stations

The Office of Public Works has indicated that five former garda stations, now vacant properties under its controlwill be considered for sale on the open market if no other purpose is found for them.
The OPW currently has five vacant properties listed for Cavan. These are all former garda stations in Bawnboy, Finea, Stradone, Tullyvin and Redhills, the latter of which is not yet closed but is due to be fully decommissioned later this year.
Some of the vacant state-owned properties comprise of the recently closed Garda stations the OPW say “are no longer required for operational reasons.”
Along with Redhills, Bawnboy and Stradone were among five to close in the Cavan-Monaghan district, and shut their doors in January of this year.
Part of the Garda District Consolidation Programme, which includes the closure of 100 stations nationwide, its also sought the amalgamation of 28 Garda districts, including the merger of Cavan and Ballyconnell. This will proceed in November later this year The Anglo-Celt understands, when Ballyconnell will be downgraded and at which time Redhills will be included into the newly expanded Cavan District.
The Commissioners of Public Works is currently assessing the options arising in respect of vacant State-owned buildings.
There are at present five vacant State-owned buildings in neighbouring Monaghan, including former garda stations in Corrinshigagh, Newbliss and Shantonagh, three buildings in Longford, seven in Leitrim and four in Meath.
This assessment will include other potential State uses for the properties. If and when properties are considered surplus to requirements, the Commissioners will consider options, including disposal on the open market and where applicable, viable local proposals.