Gay Mitchell
Question:22 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his proposals in relation to buildings which are under-utilised; and his proposals for the use of money derived from any sales. [9664/03]
Written Answers - Departmental Properties.
Seán Ryan
Question:67 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the progress made to date by the Office of Public Works in its examination of the State property portfolio with a view to identifying vacant, under-utilised or surplus property; when he expects that the examination will be concluded; if consideration is being given in the examination of the crucial need of local authorities to acquire sites for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9738/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 67 together.
The examination of the State property portfolio by the Commissioners of Public Works with a view to identifying vacant, under-utilised, under-developed or surplus property is continuing. To date the process has produced a number of properties deemed suitable for detailed assessment to determine their potential for disposal or redevelopment. In assessing these particular properties, a range of considerations are being taken into account, including: (i) the planning issues in the context of their development potential; (ii) their overall condition; (iii) the extent to which decisions on decentralisation might impact on them; (iv) the alternative uses to which they might be put, including the possibility of their being used for housing purposes and (v) their market value.
The first of the properties to come on stream is Ladd Lane, Baggot St., formerly a maintenance depot and stores for the building maintenance services of the Office of Public Works. Following the assessment process it has been decided to sell this property on the open market. It is proposed to use the proceeds from the sale of Ladd Lane to: (i) contribute towards the cost of fitting out accommodation acquired by the Office of Public Works to meet the local and regional requirements of the national education psychological service; (ii) purchase sites for Garda stations; (iii) fund priority refurbishment works on Garda stations throughout the country and (iv) fund the buy-out, where appropriate, of leasehold interest in properties currently bring rented by Office of Public Works for customer Departments. It is expected that decisions concerning a number of other properties-sites will be announced over the coming months.