Local Authority Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Ceisteanna (416)

Mary Wallace

Ceist:

450 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding being spent on renting offices from the private sector in Navan, County Meath, for local authorities under his Department; the reason high quality new offices in the ownership of Meath County Council and funded by his Department lie idle in Ashbourne, County Meath while the local authority under his Department continue to rent office space from the private sector in Navan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20400/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The information requested in regard to the expenditure by local authorities on renting offices from the private sector on the lines set out in the Question, is not available in my Department. Local authority office accommodation is a matter in the first instance for local authorities themselves. However, they are expected to provide such accommodation in the most cost effective manner possible having regard to their needs and resources. In that context, future plans for the Council office in Ashbourne are a matter for Meath Co Council.

Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 448.