Office of Public Works Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Ceisteanna (269, 284)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

269. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation further to Parliamentary Question No. 307 of 22 January 2013, the current status of the office space at a property (details supplied) in Dublin 4; if he will provide details of the total cost to the State of the vacant six floors of the property to date and the expected cost to 2034; if the only occupant of the building intends to relocate in 2015; if his attention has been drawn to any efforts that have been made to find other occupants for the property in view of the establishment of Irish Water and the rationalisation of other State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/14]

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

284. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position in relation to the lease held by Forfás on Carrisbrook House in Dublin; if the premises is currently occupied; the number of viewings of the premises in 2013 with a view to letting it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5362/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 284 together.

The lease on Carrisbrook House has been held by IDA Ireland since September 2013 following the completion of the assignment of properties from Forfás to IDA Ireland. The Israeli Embassy is currently the only occupant of the premises, on a sub-lease which expires in 2025, with lease break provisions in 2015 and 2020. I understand from IDA Ireland that the Agency has no indication from the tenant that they intend to vacate the premises.

I have been informed by IDA Ireland that the on-going marketing of the building is being handled by a professional Estate Agent. I understand that, during 2013, there were a number of enquiries in relation to the vacant space, but none progressed to a letting. IDA Ireland is also assessing the potential of the property in relation to FDI clients and start-ups and has been in direct contact with a potential private tenant and state bodies regarding the availability of space in the building.

I am informed that in November 2013 Forfás submitted a report to the Public Accounts Committee which set out the total cost of the vacant space from 1994 to 2012 at €5.3 million. IDA Ireland has informed me that it is not possible to project forward the cost for future years for a number of reasons including the possibility of future lettings, rent reviews and potential disposals.