Office of Public Works Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2015

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Ceisteanna (104, 105, 106)

Sean Conlan

Ceist:

104. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the contacts he or his officials have held with the rural and economic development division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and with the Department of Social Protection to ensure that a proper consultation process is entered into between the Office of Public Works and the five property owners who have expressed an interest in providing premises to the Department of Social Protection to ensure the retention of that Department's offices in Ballybay, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12653/15]

Sean Conlan

Ceist:

105. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he took cognisance of the fact that the property owners in Ballybay in County Monaghan who offered their premises to the Department of Social Protection were willing to give an undertaking to carry out all upgrading works at their own expense when reaching a decision to disregard all five properties as being unsuitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12655/15]

Sean Conlan

Ceist:

106. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify comments (details supplied) that it would not be financially sustainable based on prevailing rental levels in circumstances in which rental costs for proposed offices elsewhere are higher than they are in Ballybay, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12656/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 to 106, inclusive, together.

Location strategies for any given public services commences with an assessment by the service provider of their operational requirements.

As the Deputy is aware from replies to previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter, the Commissioners of Public Works assessed a number of premises in Ballybay in the context of a proposal by the owners of certain properties to upgrade their buildings to the required modern standard at their own cost, but this is not deemed a feasible option as none of the properties currently meet the changing operational or accommodation needs of the Department of Social Protection.

I am advised by the Commissioners that the proposed new location in Monaghan town will fully address these operational requirements, and the Department of Social Protection concur.