Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 4

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

Enda Kenny

Question:

102 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the condition of the building in the Phoenix Park, formerly the Ordnance Survey office; when an inspection was last carried out in regard to security, dampness and electrical safety; if her attention has been drawn to the IMPACT union's concerns regarding the collection housed there; if she was informed of these inadequacies; if so, the date in this regard; the plans, if any, she has in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8448/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The placenames branch which occupies one of the buildings in the Ordnance Survey complex in the Phoenix Park was transferred to my Department on 1 July 1999. At that time my Department requested and received a report on the building from the Office of Public Works which indicated it was deficient in a num ber of respects. I accept the accommodation is not up to modern standards. The Office of Public Works at the request of officials of my Department has been and is still seeking as a matter of urgency suitable alternative accommodation. My Department is hopeful such accommodation will be secured shortly.

In relation to security, new arrangements have been put in place recently placing the archival collection which has been in this building since 1963 into storage immediately as an interim measure is an option which is being considered.