Public will be the judge if Limerick and Clare garda stations are a ‘steal’

FOUR former garda stations will continue to serve the public after they go to public auction next month.

Rooney Auctioneers have been instructed to sell the buildings located in Galbally and Shanagolden in County Limerick; Lahinch and Doonbeg in County Clare, as well as a site in Rearcross.

It will be down to those bidding online and in person at the auction in the Greenhills Hotel on Thursday, February 16, to determine if the guide prices on the former garda stations are a “steal”.

Gordon Kearney and Briain Considine, of Rooney’s, will be the men with gavels in their hands on the day. Mr Kearney said in today’s society we associate garda stations like Henry Street or Roxboro as purely places of work for An Garda Siochana.

“The older stations had the garda or sergeant’s residence beside or above the office. These four were the homes of the gardai as well,” said Mr Kearney, who expects “strong interest” for a number of reasons.

“They are unique in that garda stations were always well-situated and located in a town or village and are good solid buildings. Being former garda stations is a unique selling point. Some people like buying old banks, post offices and former garda stations - there is that niche out there,” said Mr Kearney, who adds that guide prices reflect that they all require “modernisation”.

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First up is the former garda station in Galbally which Mr Kearney describes as a “real striking looking building” situated on the Main Street. It is guided at €120,000.

“I think it is one the people from Galbally and hinterland will want. It is beautiful and easily made back into a fine family home,” said Mr Kearney.

The only former garda station that is a protected structure is the one in the centre of Shanagolden for €80,000.

The “jewel in the crown” of ex-stations is a large detached building in Lahinch with a guide of €600,000.

“It is on the left hand side as you approach the town and faces straight onto the golf club - one of the most popular links courses in Ireland. It is within easy walking distance to all the amenities in Lahinch,” said Mr Kearney.

Mr Considine said it could be a large home, a boutique hotel, Airbnb or immediately divided to make two semi-detached properties.

“We expect very strong demand, not just from people in the locality but from holidaymakers and business people as well,” said Mr Considine.

Another house could be built on the substantial site subject to planning.

The former garda station in Doonbeg could also be attractive to those seeking a holiday home as it is located close to Donald Trump’s hotel and golf course. The asking price is €250,000.

Also in the auction is a site on the Main Street of Rearcross for €30,000.

Mr Kearney and Mr Considine will be organising viewings in the coming weeks. Contact Rooney Auctioneers on 061 413511 or email info@rooneys.eu