Two of Clare’s former Garda Stations could be converted into local authority housing.
Doonbeg and Kilmihil Garda stations were among eight such facilities which closed earlier this year.
The former Doonbeg Garda Station is a large bungalow, which is in good condition, while the Station in Kilmihil was built in 2003.
Both are now on a list circulated by the Office of Public Works, which is seeking to sell the sites. Management at Clare County Council have told local representatives that they’re now examining the buildings to see if they can be used as local authority housing.
Separately, the Department of Defence has listed a number of Clare properties for disposal, arising out of the re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force.
Clare County Council has indicated it’s interest in purchasing a site, 0.6 of an acre in size, located beside it’s area depot in Kilrush.
However, the local authority has told Councillors that it has no interest in 30 acres of land at Knockalisheen, or in a former military barracks at adjacent to Lahinch Golf Club.
This includes Sluagh Hall which has been a focal point for community events over many years.
Speaking in the Seanad in March, Defence Minister Alan Shatter invited community groups in the area to come forward if they were interested in purchasing the 81 year old facility.
