asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that considerable concern is being expressed in the Shelbourne Road area of Dublin 4 concerning the state of dereliction of the former residential buildings in Beggars Bush Barracks which in part is caused by the long delay in the negotiations between his Department and Dublin Corporation; when Dublin Corporation first applied to the Office of Public Works to acquire the full ownership of these properties; the stage the discussions are at between his Department and Dublin Corporation with a view to completing the transaction and the transfer of the ownership of these buildings to Dublin Corporation so as to enable them to proceed with their own programme for the refurbishment of these residential buildings and their use for senior citizens accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Beggars Bush (Dublin) Barracks.
Dublin Corporation sought to purchase the property in question in late 1983 but, because the proposed purchase would have implications for the planning for further developments at the adjacent State-owned Beggars Bush complex, it was not possible to agree terms for sale until late 1986. The legal formalities, which are somewhat complex, have since been processed by the Chief State Solicitor and the Corporation's Law Agent and a draft deed of transfer has been sent to the latter for his approval. It is expected that the transaction will be concluded at an early date.
While I am anxious that the formalities be completed as soon as possible, I am not aware of any anxiety being expressed by the adjoining residents in regard to the above matter.