Councillors renewed calls to convert vacant Garda stations in Mid-County Waterford into housing at this month’s Comeragh District meeting. Fine Gael Cllr Liam Brazil said the former stations in Kill, Leamybrien and Rathgormack have sat idle for years and need to be put back into use.

He said councils face huge pressure from Government to deliver housing and warned that available buildings cannot sit unused. Cllr Brazil said he has raised the issue “for years” and believes the three stations could provide much-needed homes.

The buildings remain under the control of the OPW, and councillors say each one has been empty for several decades.

Officials say stations still classed as ‘operational’

Director of Services for Housing Seamus De Faoite told members he contacted the OPW following earlier requests. The OPW stated that the stations remain “operational,” and said they cannot transfer them for housing until Gardaí confirm they are surplus to requirements.

The response drew sharp reactions. Cllr Seanie Power said Rathgormack station has not seen a Garda in “40 years.” Sinn Féin Cllr Catherine Burke suggested the council seek clarity on what “operational” actually means.

Councillors said they want progress and argued that the vacant Garda stations in Mid-County Waterford could deliver homes quickly if released. They also called for fresh engagement with Garda management and the OPW to move the issue forward.

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