The status of the reopening of Rush Garda station

QUESTION

 To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the reopening of Rush Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

                                                                                        

REPLY

The former Garda station at Rush Co. Dublin is in the full ownership of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland.  The station was closed on 29th April 2012 as part of the rationalisation programme of An Garda Síochána, as announced in the 2012 Policing Plan.

The Commissioners of Public Works licensed the former Garda Station at Rush to Rush Musical Society and Rush Community Council for a period of five years, commencing on 9th February 2015. Under the terms of the licence, the Commissioners reserve the right to terminate the Licence at any time by giving one month’s written notice to the Licensees.  

The Office of Public Works is currently engaging with An Garda Síochána in relation to their final brief of requirements, which will facilitate a full assessment of the extent of works required, the cost and the timeframe for reopening.