The Commissioners of Public Works advise that the Miesian Plaza property is being acquired in the first instance to facilitate the move of the Department of Health from Hawkins House and the Department of Children from Mespil Road, the latter representing a saving of €1.6m per annum to the exchequer.
The new building will allow for more efficient use of floor space and will also meet the most recent legislative targets for energy efficiency. This latter requirement can only be met in new developments in the city as they represent a significant challenge for building design. As negotiations around the lease on Miesian Plaza are ongoing, it is not possible to confirm the annual rent at this point in time, but the rate negotiated in conjunction with the savings that will accrue through a lease surrender, will result in a nett annual payment substantially below the figure quoted in the Deputy’s question.