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National Museum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Ceisteanna (76)

Patrick Nulty

Ceist:

75 Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the costs of the acquisition of the former Motorola premises in Swords, County Dublin, for the National Museum in respect of annual rent or lease costs; the incurred and expected refurbishment costs of using the building for museum storage; the plans for other facilities used for such storage; if he will confirm that the owner of the facility at Swords is a well-known developer (details supplied); if liabilities to the National Asset Management Agency will be offset against the rent payable by the Museum or Department on the lease if the developer is in the NAMA process; if the Office of Public Works has completed its evaluation of options for the space, which will become available after the National Museum transfers its stored collections to the new facility; if it will be considered for commercial and employment possibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23586/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

At the behest of the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, the Office of Public Works was asked to identify a suitable facility for the storage of the National Museum's collections. A number of buildings were considered and the former Motorola facility at Swords was deemed by the National Museum of Ireland to be the best fit for their requirements.

The Commissioners of Public Works took the lease from the owner, Mr. Gerry Gannon, in December 2009 and in turn sub-let the premises to the National Museum of Ireland. The main terms include an annual rent of €1m which, for a 195,000 sq. ft building, breaks down to €5.13 per sq. ft. (payable by the Museum); a 12-month rent-free period (worth €1m); landlord works estimated at €700,000, and a further landlord's contribution of €300,000 to the refurbishment works of €1.5m; a lease break option after 10 years, available to the landlord on payment of €500,000, and available to the State without penalty. The landlord has a current Tax Clearance Certificate. 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. The Commissioners are considering the long term options for the space being vacated by the Museum.

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