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 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; (v) their market value.
The first of the properties to come on stream is Ladd Lane, Baggot Street, 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, at a time when market conditions are most favourable. It is expected that decisions concerning a number of other properties-sites will be announced over the coming months.
