Estate agents express
interest in closed stations

Government plans to sell off two locally based garda stations have attracted “strong” interest from estate agents, it has emerged.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) declined to be drawn on the identity of those that had made contact, even though the deadline for applications was July 19 last.

Two of the 40 garda stations expected to go under the hammer include Newtowncashel and Ardagh Stations, both of which ceased operating earlier this year.

Some, like the former garda barracks in Dromahair, Co Leitrim have been handed back to the community as part of a lease agreement.

A spokeswoman said it would be imprudent to comment on the interest shown in the two Longford stations as properties had to be examined on a “case by case basis.”

It’s believed officials will finalise that process later this month. In the meantime, calls have been made for stations to be ring-fenced for community garda purposes.

“All you would need is 50 volunteers and it would cost the State damn all,” said Ardagh based Cllr Paul Connell.

“It’s a disgrace if they (government) sell them. They should be given back to allow people police their own communities.”