Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 7

Written Answers. - GAA Clubs.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

161 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the situation regarding a GAA club (details supplied) in Dublin 9 where the Office of Public Works has recently increased the annual rent of the grounds from £3,500 to £40,000; his views on whether this figure is totally unreasonable for a voluntary organisation; if he will ensure that a more realistic and manageable figure is set in view of the nature of the use and the fact that this club caters for a huge number of children and teenagers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11247/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

The lease of this property provides that the rent shall be reviewed to the open market rental value on the basis of use only for sporting purposes. The Commissioners of Public Works, however, are prepared to negotiate with the club with a view to reaching agreement on the appropriate level of rent having regard to the terms of the lease, the financial position of the club and prevailing rents for similar properties.