Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow, Andrew Doyle, has highlighted the potential community use for the former Garda Stations in Hollywood and Donard in County Wicklow. Doyle said both stations could be turned into landmark community spaces. With the properties now in the hands of the Office of Public Works, they are actively seeking approaches from interested community groups to make use of the former stations.
Deputy Doyle said, “It is my understanding that to date, a number of excellent plans have come forward from community organisation around the Hollywood and Donard areas, seeing if the former Garda stations can be utilised for the benefit of the community.”
“Last month, I raised the issue of these two former Wicklow Garda stations in the Dáil with the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works. Minister Hayes informed me that his office is currently assessing the property options arising in respect of the closed Garda Stations in Donard and Hollywood and decisions will be made in due course.”
Deputy Doyle stated, “While the first port of call for state properties no longer being used is to find other state bodies to make use of them, the next ideal step the state can take is to find a suitable and appropriate community use, subject to an appropriate business plan being put in place for the maintenance and management of the former Garda stations.”
“A number of voluntary organisations from around Hollywood and Donard have already come forward expressing an interest in making use of the two former Garda stations. With a hive of community and voluntary bodies located across County Wicklow, I will be encouraging more to come forward. I would be delighted to assist any community group in their efforts to transform both Hollywood and Donard station into community spaces for the benefit of all.”
“There are many fantastic community groups that have a great track record in community development that with a great can-do attitude will be able to realise the real potential of these sites. I will continue to work alongside my colleague Minister Hayes to try and find suitable organisations to come forward and put forward with a plan for these properties, so these ideas can become reality”, concluded Deputy Doyle.