Office of Public Works Properties

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

Questions (292)

Dara Calleary

Question:

292. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide data on vacant property currently owned or held on long-term lease by the State that is suitable for office accommodation, by building and by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34081/15]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of the State, manage a large and diverse property portfolio which ranges from office accommodation to heritage properties, visitors centres, Garda stations, among others. Within this portfolio, there are a number of vacant properties. The majority of those properties currently vacant are former Garda stations, customs posts, former coastguard stations and sundry other properties located throughout the country.

There is a need to strategically retain certain properties in a number of key locations for development or which will be of greater value and generate more income for the State when the market recovers.

When retaining properties, the OPW continues to explore uses for them through State bodies and local authorities, in addition to considering community use.

The OPW is continually engaged in identifying properties suitable for alternative State use, for example their potential for use as social housing, or other uses that may either generate an income, reduce repair/maintenance costs to the Exchequer or facilitate accommodation or strategic development solutions, in consultation with other State bodies.

There are currently no vacant or unallocated properties on a long term lease.

The Commissioners of Public Works own the following properties which are currently vacant, no decisions have yet been made on future use.

Cork	Building within the Agriculture College Complex, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Dublin	91a Lower Georges Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Mayo	Former Social Protection Office, Westport, Co. Mayo

There are a number of former Garda stations currently vacant nationwide but the properties require assessment as to their suitability for office accommodation.