Former garda station for sale

A call has gone out for a former garda station in Cork city to be taken off the market as its auction date approaches.

58 MacCurtain Street has been put on the market for public auction with Lisney looking after the sale.

Labour Cllr John Maher has called for the Office of Public Works (OPW) to seek community group interest for the city centre building.

The property comprises of a four-storey over basement mid-terraced building fronting MacCurtain Street and extending through to Little William Street at the rear.

Cllr Maher said: “Rather than proceed with the public auction, the OPW should seek expressions from community groups to ascertain if there is interest locally in using the building.

“Whilst a benefit to the Exchequer is always good, I would fear it would be swallowed up by the black hole of the State’s finances. If no suitable community interest is available and a sale is to proceed, then any proceeds should be kept for spending on the north side of Cork city on community and youth projects in capital works.

“Let’s have a community led response to our community held assets,” he said.

Lisney told the Cork Independent that it is quoting an advised minimum value of €275,000 and it’s being sold with full vacant possession.

According to the selling agents, the property will appeal to investors and owner occupiers as it presents an opportunity to acquire a substantial building with development potential in the city centre.

There is also planning permission for a 73 bedroom hotel close by on the corner of York Street on the site of the Windsor Inn.

The auction will be held at 12pm on 28 November in the Imperial Hotel.