Departmental Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Questions (335)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

335. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a building (details supplied) in Dublin 15 owned by the Office of Public Works; the date on which the building was acquired by the OPW; the cost at which the building was acquired by the OPW; the financial outlay by the OPW or other Government authority in respect of this building since its acquisition; the ongoing annual cost of insuring and making secure this building; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of local voluntary and charitable organisations have made enquiries regarding the potential for using this building; the detail of any such enquiries made to the OPW or to him directly; if he will make this building available on a temporary basis to local voluntary and charitable organisations, pending a decision on the building’s long term future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27675/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The building was acquired in April 2002 at a cost of €1,358,620 (excl. VAT). The Probation and Welfare Service was originally earmarked to be located in this property. However, a subsequent decision was made by the Probation and Welfare Service not to locate to the property. As no alternate State requirement could be identified for this property, at that time, the OPW decided that the property was surplus to requirements and as part of the rationalisation programme it was placed on the market. While there have been expressions of interest in the purchase and/or leasing of the property, it remains on the market. As the property is State owned there are no insurance costs. The average annual costs are approximately €5,000 covering works to prevent any deterioration of the building, care and maintenance, general repairs and upkeep of the building. More recently the OPW engaged with the Department of Social Protection on the potential to provide a service but that Department has ruled out using this property. As the property remains on the market it would not be appropriate to enter into any licensing arrangement for community use at this time.