asked the Minister for Education if he will investigate the management by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee of the former College of Marketing and Design at 18/19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1; if he will inquire the reason the VEC owned buildings have been left empty since 1983 while accommodation has been rented in other locations; and the current plans of the VEC for the future of the preservation listed buildings.
Written Answers. - Dublin VEC Buildings.
203.
In 1982, the main College of Marketing and Design building at 18/19 Parnell Square was considered to be inadequate for the number of students and unsuitable for major development. A site at Bishop Street was purchased and it is proposed to have it reconstructed in order to accommodate both the College of Marketing and Design and the College of Commerce, Rathmines.
The buildings at 18/19 Parnell Square, part of which were about 200 years old, had however to be vacated in 1983 in the interests of the safety of the users. The college has been accommodated in rented premises since then, pending the carrying out of the works at Bishop Street.
I understand that the Vocational Education Committee is at present negotiating the sale of 18/19 Parnell Square.