Auction of ex-garda stations in Limerick suspended at late stage

TWO FORMER garda stations in Galbally and Shanagolden have been withdrawn from public auction just days before they were going under the hammer.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) had instructed Rooney Auctioneers to sell them at the Greenhills House Hotel this Thursday, February 16. The auction of the former garda stations in Lahinch and Doonbeg in County Clare will go ahead as planned.

An OPW spokesperson told the Leader: “As a matter of policy, no property or site is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property. The OPW’s approach to managing vacant properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed either for Government Departments or the wider public service.”

As no alternative State use was identified and in line with the disposal policy, the former garda station and residences at Galbally and Shanagolden (pictured below) were prepared for disposal by auction. However, following a review by Limerick City and County Council, the council confirmed their interest to the OPW in acquiring the properties.

“Given that there is now an alternative State use identified, the OPW will proceed with a valuation on the property for further engagement with the council,” said the OPW spokesperson.

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Cllr Eddie Ryan said he and a delegation from Galbally Voluntary Housing Association (GVHA) met senior council officials on February 1 to discuss the sale and the options open to GVHA .

Cllr Ryan said the garda station in Galbally dates back to 1935 and welcomed the fact that it will remain in the ownership and use of the community. 

“I am delighted it is not being sold. This is a great result for the community of Galbally and the surrounding area,” said Cllr Ryan, who added there are a number of possible uses for the building being discussed.

Minister for the Office of the OPW Patrick O’Donovan also welcomed the news that the council are engaging with the OPW regarding the future use of the former garda stations in Galbally and Shanagolden. In May of last year, the minister, his officials from the OPW met with the council and GVHA at the property in Galbally to discuss the future use of the property.

“Discussions have taken place again in the last couple of weeks between the association and the council, and I welcome this positive engagement. The OPW will now proceed with valuations for both properties for further engagement with Limerick City and County Council,” said Mr O’Donovan.