In Dáil Éireann Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, to make a statement on the old Wexford Garda Station, which is now a property owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Minister Moran said: That following the closure of the Garda station on Roche’s Road, Wexford, on 22 September 2017 the OPW sought alternative State use for the property. There is no central government requirement for accommodation in the former Garda station and no alternative State requirement for the property has materialised following engagement with Wexford County Council, the Health Service Executive, HSE, and Tusla.
The OPW had agreed to enter into a lease arrangement with the Wexford Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Service for the part of the property known as the sergeant’s quarters because the main building exceeded that body’s requirements. However, the service advised the OPW on the 19 February last that it was proceeding to source alternative accommodation in Wexford and would not require the sergeant’s quarters.
Wexford Community Services Council, also known as St. Brigid’s Day Care Centre, which currently occupies the adjoining property, has expressed an interest in acquiring the former Garda station. It is currently conducting a review of the property to establish if it can meet its needs and if acquiring the property would be feasible in light of the potential cost of refurbishment and alteration that will be required.
If St. Brigid’s Day Care Centre decides to proceed with acquiring the property subject to the outcome of discussions with the OPW, the option of entering into a lease arrangement will be considered. If it decides the property is not suitable for its needs, the OPW will again establish whether there is any alternative State use for the property prior to disposing of it on the open market.”
Deputy Browne replied; “The old Garda station on Roche’s Road in Wexford is an iconic building. There is a lot of history there. A lot of proud gardaí served in that building and the community is very proud of the station. I was there on the day they closed the doors and marched up to the new Garda station on Mulgannon Road.
“The station has been empty for two years. It has been allowed to fall into very significant disrepair. Large weeds, boarding and wiring have sprung up around the station. It is deteriorating rapidly and there is concern that the longer this goes on, the more costly it will be to repair.
“There is a history of this in Wexford town concerning the old hospital under the control of the HSE. When the new hospital was opened in the early 1990s, the old building was left vacant and allowed to fall apart. It is still in a terrible state. I do not want to see the same thing happening to the Garda station in Wexford town.”
Minister Moran told Deputy Browne he did not agree that the OPW has allowed the building to decline. “We are seeking an alternative user to take over that building. We are working on this. We have not been able to get anybody to take that building. St. Brigid’s Day Care Centre is now interested. We are working closely with that organisation. We will see what the outcome is!”
Be the first to comment on "What is future for Wexford’s old Garda station?"