State Properties

Thursday, 2 March 2017

Ceisteanna (1)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

1. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of properties currently owned by the State or under a long-term lease to the State that are currently vacant; the attempts that are being made to fill them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10593/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (6 píosaí cainte)

Deputy Dara Calleary

I want to get a sense from the Minister of the policy around properties, particularly commercial properties, leased by the State or owned by the State and empty. What work is under way to tidy the situation up? I do not want a list of every vacant property in the State but a sense of the policy, bearing in mind the need to get value for our property portfolio.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am sorry the Deputy does not want a full list because that is what I have provided. The Commissioners of Public Works own 92 properties that are currently vacant and these are listed below. The majority of these properties are former Garda stations that were closed as part of the policing plans of An Garda Síochána in 2012 and 2013. The future use of the former Garda stations will be determined once the review of closed Garda stations, currently being undertaken as part of A Programme for a Partnership Government, has concluded.

The OPW has a clearly defined policy relating to vacant State properties that are identified as surplus to requirements. The policy with regard to non-operational, or vacant, State properties and sites, including former Garda stations, is: to identify if the property is required or suitable for alternative State use by Departments or the wider public sector; if there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate revenue for the Exchequer; and if no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW may consider community involvement subject to detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community or voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.

The Commissioners of Public Works have engaged with key local authority stakeholders and other State bodies to ensure that property is not disposed of when it might be deemed suitable for alternative State use. Full details of both owned and leased properties are as follows:

List of vacant State owned or leased properties currently vacant and the plans for each of them.

Tramore Rd Waterford	Former custom store	Waterford	Leased property – early surrender of lease to be explored with landlord.
Bawnboy	Former Garda station	Cavan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballyconnell	Customs Post	Cavan	Future use under consideration.
Redhills	Former Garda station	Cavan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Stradone	Former Garda station	Cavan	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Broadford	Former Garda station	Clare	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Doonbeg	Former Garda station	Clare	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Inagh	Former Garda station	Clare	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Adrigole	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballinaspittle	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballyfeard	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballygurteen	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
13 Woodville, Blarney	Garda Residence	Cork	Being prepared for disposal.
Buttevant	Garda Residence	Cork	Being prepared for disposal.
No. 4 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
No. 5 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
No. 7 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
No. 8 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
No. 9 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
No. 10 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
No. 11 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage	Cork	Auction Q2 2017.
Clonakilty	Agricultural College & Office	Cork	Alternative State use being examined.
Glenville	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Goleen	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Knocknagree	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Rathduff	Former Garda station	Cork	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
McCurtain Street	Former Garda station	Cork City	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
St Lukes Former GS, Ballyhooley Rd, Cork	Former Garda station	Cork City	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Buncrana	Former Garda station	Donegal	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Castlefin	Garda Residence	Donegal	Being prepared for disposal.
Malin	Former Garda station	Donegal	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Na Brocacha / Cloghan	Former Garda station	Donegal	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
91A George's Street, Dun Laoghaire	Building	Dublin	Being retained for strategic purpose.
Debtors' Prison, Halston Street.	Building	Dublin	Future use under consideration. Alternative State usage being actively considered.
10/11 Castle Street	Building	Dublin	Being retained for strategic purpose.
Ballymoe	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Corrandulla	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Kilchreest	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Kilcolgan	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Kilconly	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Kiltullagh	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Leenane	Former Garda station	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Maam	Former Garda station	Galway	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Tynagh	Former Garda station & Garda Res	Galway	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Abbeydorney	Former Garda station	Kerry	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballylongford	Former Garda station	Kerry	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Brosna	Former Garda station	Kerry	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Camp	Former Garda station	Kerry	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Castleisland	Former Garda station	Kerry	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Douglas	Former National School	Kerry	Being prepared for disposal.
Moyvane	Former Garda station	Kerry	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Rathangan	Former Garda station	Kildare	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Castlecomer	Former Garda station	Kilkenny	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Drumkeerin	Former Garda station & Garda Res	Leitrim	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Glenfarne	Former Garda station	Leitrim	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Keshcarrigan	Former Garda station	Leitrim	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Castletown Conyers	Former Garda station	Limerick	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Edward Street	Former Garda station	Limerick	Property swop with Limerick City and County Council under consideration.
Galbally	Former Garda station	Limerick	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Kilfinane	Former Garda station	Limerick	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Mary Street	Former Garda station	Limerick	Property swop with Limerick City and County Council under consideration.
Mayorstone Park	Former Garda station	Limerick	Property swop with Limerick City and County Council under consideration.
Shanagolden	Former Garda station	Limerick	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballinalee	Former Garda station	Longford	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballina	Former Garda station	Mayo	Being prepared for disposal. Not subject to the Policing Authority Review.
Ballyglass	Former Garda station	Mayo	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Bellacorrick	Former Garda station	Mayo	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Blacksod	Former Garda station	Mayo	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Lahardane	Former Garda station	Mayo	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Hollymount	Former Garda station	Mayo	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Navan	Government Buildings	Meath	Future use under consideration.
Enfield	Former ESB building	Meath	Future use under consideration.
Clones	Customs Building	Monaghan	Future use under consideration.
Clontibret	Former Garda station	Monaghan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Corrinshigagh	Former Garda station	Monaghan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Innisshannon	Customs Hut	Monaghan	Future use under consideration.
Newbliss	Former Garda station	Monaghan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Smithborough	Former Garda station	Monaghan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Shantonagh	Former Garda station	Monaghan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Tynagh	Former Garda station	Monaghan	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballintubber	Former Garda station	Roscommon	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ballyforan	Former Garda station	Roscommon	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Knockcroghery	Former Garda station	Roscommon	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Tarmonbarry	Former Garda station	Roscommon	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
New Inn (Tipperary)	Former Garda station	Tipperary	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
No. 3 The Mall, Templemore	Garda Residence	Tipperary	Future use under consideration.
No. 4 The Mall, Templemore	Garda Residence	Tipperary	Future use under consideration.
No. 5 The Mall, Templemore	Garda Residence	Tipperary	Future use under consideration.
No. 9 Church Ave, Templemore	Garda Residence	Tipperary	Future use under consideration.
No. 10 Church Ave, Templemore	Garda Residence	Tipperary	Future use under consideration.
Ballyduff	Former Garda station	Waterford	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.
Ardmore	Building	Waterford	Future use under consideration.
Hollywood	Former Garda station	Wicklow	Future use to be considered on conclusion of the review of closed Garda stations being overseen by the Policing Authority.

Deputy Dara Calleary

The Minister of State might be getting a bit confused. Only one Member of this House has a specific interest in Garda stations at the moment, and that is the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross. The State has been paying rent since January on the Miesian Plaza on Lower Baggot Street. A 25-year lease was agreed but staff are not due to move in until the middle of the year after it has been fitted out. I want to know how much the State is paying in rent, for office buildings in particular. It is hard to understand why we do not have enough office space in Dublin owned by Government and which, with a bit of reorganisation, could be reused.

The Minister said previously that €44 million in annual rent was saved and that a national asset database was being put together to allow Departments to use any spare space. At what stage is the database and when will it be made public?

Deputy Seán Canney

Those questions were not in the original question and they involve much detail. I made a presentation to the finance committee last week but the Deputy is looking for a considerable amount of information. We will get that information for him as I do not have it to hand at the moment.

Deputy Dara Calleary

I am looking for a sense of what the plan is. Are there areas in the State where empty properties are leased to the State, including to State agencies? Is there a need for property on the part of State agencies in those areas? What work is being done in the Department to root out a waste of money such as this and what is being done to regularise the situation?

Deputy Seán Canney

The Office of Public Works continually reviews its options regarding State properties and a review is ongoing of the properties we own and lease. Over the past number of years leases on properties have been given up to save money for the Exchequer and I will get the exact details of that for the Deputy. The overall aim is not to have vacant properties but there will be gaps when people relocate. We will endeavour to minimise those gaps. A fit-out is being done of the Miesian Plaza to make it ready for the staff who will be going there.