Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

210 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Finance the reason there is such a high office content for the planned development of the 14.3 acre site owned by the Office of Public Works beside Heuston Station when the office vacancy rate in Dublin is at least 15% and capital values and city centre rents are falling in many areas; and if a company (details supplied), the joint venture partner in one of the sites, plans to occupy office space to be built there if planning permission is granted. [13756/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

The Office of Public Works intends to apply for planning permission for mixed developments at two sites near Heuston Station. The sites at John's Road/Military Road, are owned, either in whole or part, by the State. The content of the developments, which comprises offices, residential accommodation – including social and affordable housing – live-work units, cultural space, retail space, crèches, restaurants, etc., was determined by reference to planning strategies for Heuston Station and its environs. Pending the outcome of the planning process, no decisions can be taken on the utilisation of space in the proposed developments.