201. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the future plans for the Garda station at Ballyragget, County Kilkenny; if the local community has been consulted on the plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19975/14]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently assessing the property options arising in respect of all closed Garda Stations including the former Garda Station in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. The stated policy is to identify if other State Bodies, including government departments and the wider public sector has a use for the property. 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 much needed revenue for the Exchequer.

The former Garda Station at Ballyragget is being actively considered for disposal on the open market. Should it transpire that the property does not sell then the OPW would be happy to consider a proposal from the local community group. An expression of interest was received from the local Scout Group and a response issued in line with the stated policy.