Údarás na Gaeltachta's property portfolio comprises a wide range of building types, in varying conditions and states of repair. The organisation has informed me that it is currently reviewing its entire property portfolio and preparing development and refurbishment plans which take into account the requirements of the Government's Climate Action Plan.
I am informed that the organisation is now examining the development potential of some of its empty buildings, with due regard to available resources, with a view to using them to their maximum potential. When making any decisions regarding its property portfolio, an tÚdarás has informed me that the organisation is always cognisant of its responsibility to make best use of any resources which come from the Exchequer.
In order to assess capital expenditure requirements over the coming years, an tÚdarás has stated that it has undertaken a number of feasibility studies to inform the condition of the portfolio in terms of building fabric, sustainability credentials, building layout, estate infrastructure and estate masterplans. An tÚdarás states that this due diligence is currently being undertaken in order to inform a pipeline of projects as well as to identify future occupational and capital expenditure requirements. It is estimated currently that most of the vacant buildings concerned would require at least 12 months lead-in time to be fit for occupation and comply with current statutory regulations.
