Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 8

Written Answers. - Sale of Government Buildings.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

28 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance when the Government-owned Georgian buildings on Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, were vacated by the public service; when it was decided to put these up for sale; if they were offered for sale to the public and the response to that offer; the total sum of money realised by the State in the sale of these buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

A programme for vacating the State-owned houses at Upper Merrion Street commenced in 1981. Houses No. 24 and Nos. 25-26 are still partially occupied by the Department of Agriculture and Telecom Éireann respectively.

The Government approved the sale of the properties in July 1989 subject to appropriate conditions to protect the facade and heritage features of the houses being prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works and/or the National Heritage Council, the conditions to be agreed with the Department of the Taoiseach. Following these consultations and receipt of legal advice, the Government decided on 26 March 1990 to exclude house No. 24 from the sale and to proceed with the sale of the other houses by way of fee farm grant which would cover all the relevant conservation aspects. The sale proposals were reviewed and approved by the Department of the Taoiseach in July 1990.

The buildings were offered for sale by public auction on 2 October 1990. One bid at £1 million was made and the properties were withdrawn from auction. Sale negotiations are continuing with interested parties.