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State Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2019

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Questions (74, 75, 76)

Michael McGrath

Question:

74. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 6 September 2019, if there are currently negotiations under way between the OPW and Cork County Council regarding a revised purchase plan; the two of the nine properties it has been decided to retain in State ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39006/19]

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Michael McGrath

Question:

75. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 6 September 2019, the plans there are for the boathouse adjacent to No. 12 and for the improvement and maintenance of the drive adjacent to the boathouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39007/19]

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Michael McGrath

Question:

76. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 6 September 2019, if he will facilitate a meeting between the residents that live in houses formerly sold and the OPW to discuss issues of concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39008/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 to 76, inclusive, together.

There are twelve former coastguard cottages in a terrace at Crosshaven, Co. Cork, nine of which remain in the ownership of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Two of the cottages are currently in use as a Garda station and residence while the remaining seven cottages have been identified as surplus to requirements and suitable for disposal.

In addition to the cottages, there is a one-acre site to the rear of the cottages. This site was the subject of a Licence Agreement, which expired in October 2017 but remains occupied by the Licensee and is subject to legal proceedings. This site is also surplus to State requirements and suitable for disposal.

The former Rocket House at the rear of the cottages is currently in use by the Irish Coast Guard.

The cottages and site were considered by Cork County Council but the Council, following due consideration, informed the Office of Public Works (OPW) in January 2019 that they were not proceeding with acquiring the properties and site.

As no alternative State use for the cottages and site was identified, the OPW along with the Chief State Solicitor's Office prepared contracts for sale to dispose of the cottages and site by public auction.

Regrettably, the aforementioned legal issues have delayed the disposal of the properties. The Commissioners plan to sell the cottages and site by public auction, when all legal matters have been resolved and the site is returned to the Commissioners with vacant possession.

The OPW and Cork County Council have recently been in contact to discuss the properties and site further and a meeting is scheduled for early October between officials of the OPW and Cork County Council.

The OPW Regional Office has recently carried out repairs to the roof of number 11 and there are no plans to carry out any further maintenance works at the property including the driveway to the rear of the cottages.

The residents can contact my office to arrange a meeting with my officials from the Property Management Division in the OPW to discuss any concerns that they might have.

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