Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
434. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to set out the guidelines or criteria that determine allocation and the allocation process of OPW lodges in the Phoenix Park for rental purposes. [16595/23]
View answer435. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to confirm how many persons are on the waiting list for OPW lodges in the Phoenix Park. [16596/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 435 together.
The Commissioners own or manage a limited number of residential properties, primarily within national parks or historic estates. It is the policy of the Office of Public Works (OPW) that clear criteria must be deployed when identifying persons suitable for holding a tenancy in a residential property owned or controlled by the Commissioners of Public Work in Ireland (CPW).
Such residential properties are considered for allocation based on the following ranked criteria:
a) The residential property is an official residence of a designated office holder.
b) The occupation of the residential property is an intrinsic part of an OPW staff member’s job and covered within the terms and conditions of their job description. e.g. Caretaker, Deerkeeper, Housekeeper, Gardener, Security etc.
c) The occupation of the specific residential property is an intrinsic part of another OPW client’s staff member’s job and covered within the terms and conditions of their job description. e.g. Caretaker, Housekeeper, Gardener, Security etc.
d) The granting of residential accommodation is in part-exchange for services that the OPW would otherwise have to retain at its own cost.
e) The residential accommodation is used for the short-term housing of visiting students or guests that would otherwise have to be accommodated at the cost of the OPW.
f) The residential accommodation is leased to the Irish Landmark Trust for onward, short term letting to tenants under agreed terms and conditions.
Officials in my Department have informed me that they do not hold or maintain a waiting list for the allocation of lodges in the Phoenix Park.
