Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide this Deputy with more information as to the amount of rental default in relation to a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14232/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Northside Civic Centre is mainly occupied by Community Groups and front-line delivery units of Government Departments. When the centre was being constructed, OPW gave an indication to the relevant prospective tenants of the level of rent which might be envisaged in respect of the accommodation to be occupied by them. Shortly after they took up occupation many of the tenants, who were previously unaware of the level of service charges which would be payable in addition to the rent indicated, made representations for a reduction to rent. In addition to the issue of service charges OPW is also cognisant that the determination of an appropriate rent may be also influenced by the fact that other branches of a number of the Bodies housed in the Centre occupy premises elsewhere on a peppercorn rent.

Unfortunately, because the transfer of the site from Dublin City Council to OPW has yet to be finalised it is not possible at this point to formalise occupancy details, including rent, with the tenants. Once the title issue has been finalised the question of rent levels can then be formally addressed. However, based on the indicative figure given to the tenants prior to occupancy the amount of rental default would be in the region of €500,000.