asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the accommodation of the National Parks and Monuments Branch of the Office of Public Works.
28.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - OPW Accommodation.
27.
asked the Minister for Finance what is proposed to be done with the present accommodation of the National Parks and Monuments Branch at No. 10 Hume Street, Dublin.
29.
asked the Minister for Finance what steps are being taken to ensure that the fine architectural quality of No. 10 Hume Street, Dublin both internally and externally will be conserved.
30.
asked the Minister for Finance what steps are being taken to ensure that the National Parks and Monuments Branch will set an example by occupying and thereby conserving suitable historic or architectural premises.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 28, 29 and 30 together.
As a result of the expansion of the National Parks and Monuments Branch of the Office of Public Works the accommodation in No. 10 Hume Street is no longer adequate and it is proposed to transfer the branch to part of the new building at the back of No. 52 St. Stephen's Green.
I do not share the Deputy's view as to the effects which the housing of the branch in a historic building or one of architectural merit would have but in any event the determining factor is the availability of suitable premises.
The Hume Street property, which is State owned, will continue to be maintained as at present and used for some State purpose which has not yet been determined.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary be able to tell me what the alternative accommodation is costing? Has he got that in his brief? Was it not possible to acquire a neighbouring building, and to retain it, in Hume Street?
No. Actually No. 52 St. Stephen's Green is very good because it brings the National Parks Branch much closer to the head office in No. 51 St. Stephen's Green. I know what the rent is for the entire building, although it is not in my brief. I would like to say that the accommodation now being given is 4,300 square feet as against 2,000 square feet which they already have. It is more than double what they have now.
What does it cost?
The building, including the car park facilities, is £90,000 a year.
Surely the expenditure of £90,000 for the purpose of saving the overworked civil servants 100 yards walk is hardly justifiable?
That is the advice given to me and I accept it.