Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2007
302 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department or properties under the control or administration thereof has suffered any loss of assets through fire, theft or flooding in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the cost to the State of these losses; if action has been taken to recover these items, if stolen; and the costs involved in their replacement, if necessary. [22987/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere was no significant loss of assets in the years in question as a result of fire, theft or flooding. In 2005, a building at Coole Park, Gort, Co Galway was destroyed by fire as a result of an electrical storm. The building has not been rebuilt as alternative accommodation was available. Some equipment has been stolen in the period. While some has been recovered with the cooperation of the Gardaí, items to the value of €14,000 had to be replaced.
303 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has entered into any leasing arrangements for properties for the use of his Department; the details of the lease; the level of occupancy of the buildings; and the use to which the buildings is currently being put. [23002/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraMet Éireann, a constituent part of my Department, currently lease offices from Airport Shared Services (formerly Dublin Airport Authority) on an annual basis. The lease agreement was entered into in January 2002 for offices located at Dublin Airport (17 staff), Cork Airport (11 staff) and Shannon Airport (30 staff), at an annual cost of €126,165. The provision of these offices is essential to enable Met Éireann provide a wide range of meteorological services to civil, military and general aviation. All other buildings used by my Department are leased by OPW on our behalf.
