Concerns have been expressed over the proposed new Garda station for Ballyvary which is not included on the current Garda priority list and will not go to construction in 2009.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Henry Kenny has highlighted the issue following a reply to a parliamentary question at his behest.
“Garda management can continue to provide policing facilities to Ballyvary from Castlebar and wish to avail of an opportunity to secure rented premises in Ballyvary itself from where gardaí could operate,” the reply stated.
In June 2006 it was expected tenders for a new station at Ballyvary would be invited in early 2007 and more recently it was expected that tenders would be invited in Autumn 2008 according to then Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Noel Ahern TD.
Cllr Kenny added: “The progress on this project has been questioned on numerous occasions by Deputy Enda Kenny. It looked like it was close to tender stage and now appears to be deferred once again. The existing Garda Station is uninhabitable and not fit for the proper Garda functions for which it was originally intended. It is an eyesore on the edge of the N5 and my fear is that going down the rental road will eventually lead to the phasing out of this necessary facility at this locality. I call on our Government representatives in County Mayo to move on this situation which has been ongoing for years.”
