Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Conway for raising this important issue. The Government is committed to reforming property asset management in the public sector to ensure value to the taxpayer. The Commissioners of Public Works manage a large and diverse portfolio of property assets, including historic properties, on behalf of the State.

The stated policy for surplus properties is to identify if other State bodies, including Departments and the wider public sector, have a use for the property. If no State requirement is identified, the Office of Public Works will consider disposing of the property on the open market to generate revenue for the Exchequer. If a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW will consider community involvement subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case, which is very important. This must indicate that the community or voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there is no cost to the Exchequer in the short, medium or long term. Where properties have been assigned, these have been generally to community councils that represent a broad range of community or voluntary organisations, with links to local SOLAS, community employment schemes and community work placement schemes, Tús.

Decisions taken by the OPW to license certain properties are based on the following principles: the benefit to the broader community in terms of local services, activities or employment-training opportunities to be achieved from the use of the property; savings to the State of maintenance, service and other costs; and ownership remaining with the State with a re-entry clause at a time to be decided by the OPW. When retaining properties, the OPW continues to explore uses for them through State bodies and local authorities, in addition to considering community use.

The Senator has referred to the question of the property at Corofin, in County Clare, being made available to the local community. The property is composed of two large-semi detached houses on a site of three acres in the centre of the village of Corofin. The internal area of the two buildings is in the region of 220 sq. m and is estimated to be 90 to 100 years old. The interior of the building is in poor condition. The roof, which is of slate construction, is in need of significant repair and the property requires a substantial investment to bring it up to modern standards. The property has been used as office accommodation for the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Senator Conway will be interested to hear that the property is surplus to requirements and has been assessed in line with the disposal policy I have outlined. No alternative State use has been identified and the property is now being prepared for disposal by public auction in the very near future. I hope the Senator will be satisfied with that answer as it outlines exactly what he wants to do with it.