They may have lost their local Garda stations but three Mayo communities have gained some benefit at least as the vacant buildings are being handed over for the use of community and voluntary groups.
The Garda stations at Tourmakeady, Mulranny, and Ballycastle are among 13 nationwide, which the OPW (Office of Public Works ) is giving to the community under the Government’s disposal policy for decommissioned stations.
Altogether, 11 Garda stations have been decommissioned in Mayo.
Aside from the three to go to local communities, two stations at Ballyvary and Lahardane have been identified for disposal and an auctioneer has been appointed.
The future use of the remaining six stations at Hollymount, Glenisland, Blacksod, Bellacorrick, Ballyglass, and Ballina (Walshe Street station ), is still under consideration.
Minsiter of State Brian Hayes and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny were in Mayo last week for a number of formal engagements, including officially transferring the keys of the Garda stations in Mulranny and Tourmakeady.
The Garda station in Ballycastle has yet to be officially handed over.
In Mulranny, the amenity centre group accepted the keys on behalf of the community and will use the premises as a centre to promote environmental research and management.
A group in Tourmakeady called, Coiste Cultúr Teanga agus Forbartha Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Teo, will use the station for their work in revitalising the Irish language.
Speaking at the station handover in Tourmakeady, Mr Kenny commended Coiste Cultúr Teanga agus Forbartha Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Teoe for their work promoting tourism and local businesses.
“I wish them the best of luck in their new location,” he added.
In Mulranny, Minister of State Hayes outlined how the OPW is working on putting more closed Garda stations available to communities.
“Today, I'm delighted to hand over the keys to the Mulranny Amenity Centre community group. I wish the group well with their plans and I hope to see many more community groups avail of this initiative,” he said.
