The use and management of properties owned by ESB is a matter for the Board and management of ESB and is, therefore, not an area in which I, as Minister, have a statutory function.
However, officials from my Department engage with ESB on a regular basis on a number of topics, including, in the last number of weeks, the decision by the Company to redevelop a number of Georgian houses back into residential units.
Throughout Project Fitzwilliam, the redevelopment of their headquarters, ESB has been governed by planning permission received under the relevant planning legislation and this will remain the case in regards to the proposed redevelopment of the Georgian houses in question. I understand that ESB has applied for the relevant planning permission and Dublin City Council has yet to make a decision. I, as Minister, cannot interfere in the planning process.
I ask that all relevant stakeholders work together to find an alternative location for a Georgian House Museum.