Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
192. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of refurbishing the near empty building of Carrisbrook House, given that it is almost totally vacant and of national and historical importance, given the site's role in the 1916 Rising, if he will make this site available to the local authority as housing for persons in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44165/15]
View answerCarrisbrook House is a privately owned building, developed in the late 1960’s. The head lease on Carrisbrook House has been held by IDA Ireland since September 2013 following the completion of the assignment of properties from Forfás to IDA Ireland. Prior to this the lease passed through a number of State Agencies since 1969 when An Chomhairle Oiliuna (AnCo) first took out a 65 year lease on the building.
The Israeli Embassy is currently the only occupant of the premises, on a sub-lease which expires in 2025.
Over the past number of years every effort has been made by Forfás and IDA Ireland to lease the remainder of the building to a public or private sector client. However, there has been no interest in the building due to a number of factors including the state of repair of the building, and the fact that IDA Ireland cannot offer a prospective client vacant possession.
The Agency has assured me that they are addressing these issues, and as such are not in a position to consider making this site available to the Local Authority.
