Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The sale of the properties referred to by the Deputy is a key element of the funding strategy for the consolidation of DIT on the Grangegorman campus. The recent signing of a public private partnership contract to construct and operate two major new academic buildings on the Grangegorman site means there is now a clear timeline for vacating several existing DIT buildings around Dublin city. The disposal process is being undertaken directly by DIT and the Grangegorman Development Agency, GDA, and the proceeds realised from the sales will assist in funding further stages of the Grangegorman development. Professional property advice is informing decisions.

DIT and Grangegorman Development Agency are fully cognisant of the need to comply with all necessary departmental circulars and protocols relating to the disposal of State assets, including signalling via the State property register that properties are available for disposal. This approach gives State parties an opportunity to express interest in the purchase of these properties. In addition, the disposal of the DIT properties will require approval by the Minister for Education and Skills. Given the commercial sensitivities associated with property sales, I am not in a position to comment on any engagement between DIT, the Grangegorman Development Agency and potential buyers. Now that construction has begun, there will be a progression of the sale of the property at Cathal Brugha Street; it is the first step in this respect. It is important to note that this is just a revisiting of the proposed sale of the same property that was due to take place last year but which did not proceed. As I stated, the process is commercially sensitive but DIT and Grangegorman Development Agency are undertaking this directly.

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