Office of Public Works

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Questions (166)

Peter Burke

Question:

166. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works, OPW, will consider buying a property (details supplied); the process for potential sellers to contact the OPW relating to property sales; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10657/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran)

The Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of the State, hold and manage a large and diverse property portfolio which includes office accommodation, heritage properties, visitor centres and Garda Stations.

The Commissioner of Public Works adhere to a policy on property acquisition and disposal which is set down in DPER Circular 17/2016 - Policy for Property Acquisition and for the Disposal of Surplus Property. Central to this policy in an assessment of need. A decision to acquire property in a particular location is first based on an assessment of need, and the property options for satisfying that need. Once a decision has been made that property needs to be acquired, the OPW follows procedures that are suited to the local market conditions applying at that time.