Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Old Departmental Buildings.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

427 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Marine the buildings owned or used by his Department that pre-date 1843; the extent and terms under which any of these buildings are open to the public; the plans, if any, he has to open any of these buildings to the public; the listed interiors in these buildings; the notable interiors in these buildings other than those that may be officially listed; the current use of these interiors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6021/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The Department of the Marine headquarters occupies five houses on Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2, which pre-date 1843 and which are owned by the Office of Public Works. (Nos. 93-97 Lower Leeson Street).

The houses in question are classed by Dublin Corporation Planning Department as list 2 buildings. This means that the buildings, features, sites and other structures associated with the buildings must be protected. While these houses have some decorative ceilings and fireplaces none of the interior features are listed.

The buildings in question are used as general office accommodation for departmental headquarters staff and there are no plans to open these buildings to the public.