5 July 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Michael Moynihan has said that the former Garda station in Knocknagree should be made available for use by local community and voluntary groups to aid their work.
Deputy Moynihan was commenting after receiving a reply from the Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan that outlined the status of the building.
“The Minister informed me that the building is now in the ownership of the Office of Public Works.
“If this is the case, the OPW should look at making the premises available to local organisations for their use.
“The station was closed in 2013 as part of Fine Gael’s national policy of closing stations in small communities.
“Obviously, the local community want to retain a Garda presence. Over recent months we have seen spikes in rural crime, and the lack of a Garda station in the village is a major concern.
“However, in the meantime, the building should be refurbished and made available to local groups.
“I have made contact with the OPW asking them to outline their plans for the building.
“A building of this nature would be a godsend to the many local organisations that are doing such great work to keep small rural communities vibrant,” concluded Moynihan.
