Mr. Hubert Fitzpatrick:

It will all have to be factored into the equation that is being determined on a case-by-case basis. We must look at the planning sustainability at the outset. If there are city centre plots where the land space is not being effectively used and we are restricting the occupancy for those uses going forward, it may make more sense to demolish and rebuild to the environmental standard and get the proper footfall on it. However, all these issues are subject to assessment on a case-by-case basis and they are assessed by the local authority as part of the planning process or indeed assessed subsequently by An Bord Pleanála. Where it is found it is more environmental to maintain the existing structure and adapt it, that comes out in the assessments.

However, there are other assessments where it may be found that it is more realistic to demolish and put an entirely new, modern building on site to make effective use of the space that is well served by transportation and all the other services that are in place.