Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2018
344. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial costs of the move by Foras na Gaeilge to Amiens Street and ÁIS to Dunshaughlin; the cost of fit-outs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra345. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the rent payable by Foras na Gaeilge at 63 to 66 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 is €593,000 in view of the fact the average annual rent for the building according to the Property Services Regulatory Authority is €530,800; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13058/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.
The financial costs incurred directly by Foras na Gaeilge in relation to the relocation of its headquarters to Amiens Street and the relocation of ÁIS to Dunshaughlin amounted to €412,365.
The breakdown of costs is set out in the following table:
|
Furniture |
€173,220 |
|
Broadcasting equipment for Raidió na Life |
€133,215 |
|
Acoustic windows and doors |
€34,150 |
|
Removal costs to Dunshaughlin |
€44,288 |
|
Phone system |
€15,215 |
|
Removal costs to Amiens Street |
€12,277 |
The annual rent of €530,800 shown by Foras na Gaeilge on the Property Services Regulatory Authority's website represents the baseline rent for a thirty year contract and will be used for rent review purposes on a five yearly basis.
I understand from Foras na Gaeilge that, as set out in the terms of the contract, annual rent of €593,000 is payable for the first fifteen years in light of substantial capital costs incurred by the landlord to renovate and refit the building to meet the specific accommodation needs of Foras na Gaeilge. The annual rent is expected to reduce to €530,800 for the second half of the lease term subject to any changes arising from rent reviews.
The thirty year lease term negotiated with the landlord provides Foras na Gaeilge with stability and flexibility in terms of future planning in that the contract includes a lease break after 15 years so that other options can be explored at that time.
