John Gormley
Ceist:51 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance if alternative social uses are being sought for properties being offered for sale by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25716/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.
The Commissioners of Public Works are approached from time to time by various local authorities, charities and other social organisations requesting the use of surplus state property, that would otherwise be offered for sale.
In many cases, where the organisations meet certain criteria, these requests are granted. Among the criteria for offering such properties are the suitability of the building for the proposed purpose, and the ability of the aspirant groups to maintain the properties on a full repairing and insuring lease.
Recently a number of sites were identified as being suitable for affordable housing. These include a site at Infirmary Road, which was formerly used by the Department of Defence and a site at Jamestown Road, Inchicore which is currently the location for the Office of Public Works's central engineering workshop.