Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2019
155. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the building in O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, from which a Garda station operated; the level of preservation or renovation the OPW has invested in the property since its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24939/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has not invested in the preservation and maintenance of the office buildings known as 44 and 45 O'Connell Street, as the future use of the property has been under consideration. The properties are currently vacant. Their future use is being considered in line with OPW’s policy on surplus vacant property, which is as follows:
1. Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government Departments or the wider public sector.
2. 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.
3. 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 a detailed written submission, which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer).
