Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
32. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of State-owned properties that are currently unoccupied and the costs associated with same; the number of properties rented by the State from private landlords and the cost to the State of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29683/14]
View answerThere are in excess of two hundred State owned properties currently vacant in the care of the Commissioners of Public Works, the majority of these being the recently closed Garda stations and residences. The OPW has a clearly defined policy relating to vacant properties that are identified as surplus to its requirements. In the first instance, the OPW engages with other Public Service bodies, including relevant Local Authorities, to establish the potential for alternative use, in advance of disposing to the market.
The maintenance costs for these properties are currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly. At the end of 2013 the OPW had 394 commercial leases on 344 buildings for the purpose of providing office accommodation to Government Departments and Agencies. The total annual expenditure on rent and services on these leases amounted to €97m.
