Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last year I raised the issue of the Garda headquarters on Harcourt Street and referred to the concern at the time that 500 members of staff in the nerve centre of An Garda Síochána would have to relocate. Obviously, there were no premises in Dublin which could accommodate them. I understand the legal action taken by Hibernia REIT, the owner of the building, to look for vacant possession, has since been withdrawn. The Office of Public Works has entered into a six-year contract with Hibernia REIT, or what is now known as a vulture fund. It will pay €6 million per year for the building, on which there is a one-off arrears payment of €500,000. My 11-year old son could figure this one out. The total cost of a €6 million a year contract for six years comes to €36 million, plus arrears of €500,000. Hibernia REIT bought this office from the State for €70 million. It is a shocking waste of public moneys. The problem is that the Garda will be out on its ear in six years time. Will the Minister of State confirm that the Office of Public Works has entered into a new a six year lease at a cost which is 22% higher? Will he explain why a one-off arrears payment had to be made?

Will the Minister of State inform the committee what the OPW is doing to source alternative accommodation? As the Minister of State and I know, there is no alternative accommodation in Dublin which will suit the type of nerve centre required by the gardaí. Are we looking at a fresh build? What is happening with that? I understand it is before the Minister of State's time but we raised the issue with the former Minister of State and asked him to intervene with NAMA to buy the building. What has happened here is a complete waste of public money.