"An insult" - Vacant garda barracks in Waterford remain in limbo
Criticism is being directed at the OPW (Office of Public Works) regarding their “shameful” response to the status of four vacant Garda barracks in County Waterford.
The former barracks in Kill, Lemybrien, Rathgormack and Kilmeaden have been out of use for decades.
However, in a recent statement to Waterford City & County Council, the OPW asserted that the four buildings are still operational as Garda stations and therefore cannot be repurposed.
A subsequent statement this newspaper received from Waterford City and County Council, said:
"The Garda stations referenced are all operational and as An Garda Síochána has not advised the OPW that any of these properties is surplus to requirements, the OPW is not in a position to plan for the conversion or re-use of any of the properties listed."
In November, The Waterford News & Star also contacted An Garda Siochana for comment, however no answer was received.
Representatives from the impacted areas spoke this week about the issue, voicing frustrations over the OPW’s handling of the matter.
Cllr Liam Brazil described the OPW’s response as “an insult to councillors and to Waterford City and County Council.”
“I don’t accept the answer that came back from the OPW saying these buildings are in use, because I can guarantee you any of the four buildings haven’t been in use for the past twenty years” Cllr Brazil said.
Cllr Brazil compared the handling of the issue to the Leinster House bike shed debacle.
“There was an issue raised about the bike shed a couple years ago up in Dublin, and this is an example of the same thing. At the OPW, one hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing. That will tell you what we’re dealing with."
Meanwhile, Cllr Seanie Power said that its a “shame to see the barracks lying idle.”
He added that derelict garda stations in neighbouring county Cork have recently been put onto the market, whilst the Waterford stations remain dormant.
Councillors were informed during last week's Comeragh District meeting that the issue would be brought back to Waterford City and County Council’s Housing Director, with a view to opening further engagement with the OPW.
