Departmental Properties.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2010

Thursday, 4 March 2010

Ceisteanna (32)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

55 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of reports that the Office of Public Works has acquired a property at Swords, County Dublin for the purpose of expanding the facilities of the National Museum, that the property has been acquired on a 20 year lease at €1 million per annum; if, in view of the depressed property market, an outright purchase of the property was considered; the purchase value of the property; when the acquisition of the property was arranged; the tender process that was established for the acquisition of such a property; the number and the persons who were invited to apply to supply a property through this tender process; if there is an outstanding loan on the property which is likely to be transferred to the National Asset Management Agency; if this loan, and the underlying collateral, is transferred to NAMA, could income derived from the OPW lease accrue to NAMA and contribute to the service of interest on NAMA bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11065/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism requested the Commissioners of Public Works to identify a suitable storage facility for the National Museum's collections. In accordance with procedures, eight potential buildings were identified and the National Museum deemed the premises selected as the best fit for their requirements.

As funding for the acquisition of such a facility was limited, and the owner was not amenable to disposing of his interest in the property, the purchase value of the property did not arise. The landlord demonstrated good title to the property to the satisfaction of the Commissioners' Solicitors and the National Museum's Solicitors. In addition the landlord produced a valid Tax Clearance Certificate prior to the Agreement for Lease being signed. This accords with the Commissioners' normal practice in any such agreement to acquire property. The Agreement for Lease was signed in December 2009. Any matters that may arise between the owner of the property and the National Asset Management Agency are outside the remit of the Commissioners of Public Works.