Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The cost of maintaining the Glasnevin site is approximately €1 million per annum, made up of local authority rates, security, heat, light, power and general maintenance. This figure includes general maintenance costs of the national metrology laboratory of the National Standards Authority of Ireland. For 2010, these costs are expected to be in the order of €140,000 approximately, which will be recouped from the NSAI.

Resulting from the centralisation of Enterprise Ireland's Dublin offices in East Point business park in 2008, it is anticipated there will be annual savings of approximately €3 million, in addition to significant operational efficiencies. The Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, has been in contact with the Minister of State, Deputy Martin Mansergh, with a view to the Office of Public Works assisting in whatever way possible. The Minister has also asked Enterprise Ireland for an assessment of how the current costs for maintaining the site might be reduced in the short term.

In that context, Enterprise Ireland has advised that the current rates bill for the site, which is available for leasing, will reduce by 50% or €280,000 in respect of 2010. In addition, Enterprise Ireland has advised it has also secured an 8% reduction in the fees paid in respect of security services provided on the site. Pending any further advices from the OPW, in December 2009, Enterprise Ireland engaged estate agents to explore potential leasing options for the property.

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