State Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2013

Wednesday, 9 October 2013

Questions (32)

Micheál Martin

Question:

32. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if charities will be given access to currently unused State properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42493/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works stated policy for dealing with vacant State properties is to identify, in the first instance, if other government departments and/or agencies has a use for the properties. If there is no other State use for a property the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate much needed revenue for the Exchequer.

If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW would consider, community involvement including charities, subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case which would indicate that the charity has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property. OPW is actively engaging with a number of community groups in respect of vacant properties.