Fine Gael Councillor Liam Brazil has repeatedly raised the issue of vacant Garda barracks in the Comeragh region, asking that they be returned to the OPW and repurposed.
The Comeragh councillors were not satisfied with an OPW report that suggested Garda barracks in Kill, Kilmacthomas, and Rathgormack were still in use, as the councillors contend the barracks have been vacant for many years.
“I wasn’t happy with the report that came back about two months ago, about the three vacant [Garda] barracks in the Comeragh District,” said Cllr. Brazil.
“I would like for you to go back to the OPW again and let them know that the members of the Comeragh District were not happy with the report that these barracks are being used, because I can clarify that they haven’t been used for years and years, and I think it’s unfair for them to come back to us and tell us they are being used.”
In response, Director of Services, Seamus De Faoite, gave an unexpected update.
“Early in January I had a very over-and-back conversation with the Chief Superintendent about the response, and I relayed back to him the disappointment that the members had about the response they got from the OPW.
“In relation to the four vacant Garda stations [in the Comeragh region], there is Kill, Kilmacthomas, Rathgormack, and Lemybrien.
“Ultimately the OPW can only act when the commissioner decides to close a Garda station. If on an official basis those Garda stations haven’t been closed, the OPW can only relay that information back to us.
“In relation to both Kilmeaden and Rathgormack, the Garda Síochána are of the view that those properties can be disposed of, so they can revert back to the OPW on that basis.
“They want to leave the Garda station in Lemybrien, for the moment anyway.”
Mr. De Faoite also explained that Kill Garda Station is currently involved in a community project, which they remain committed to.
AARON KENT
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
