Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Finance the facts in relation to the leasing of premises (details supplied) in County Louth; the lease details; the length of time this building has been unoccupied; the expenditure on caretaking, repairs, insurances and so on since that date; the reason the lease has not been surrendered to date in 2009; if discussions were held with the owners; the date of same; the owner of the property; the works which must be carried out by the State before the property is returned to the owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32927/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The Commissioners of Public Works have leased this property since 1975 on a 35 year lease. The Commissioners are responsible for internal maintenance, and the Landlord responsible for external maintenance. The last Revenue staff left in 2004, moving to new Government offices in Alphonsus Road and Coes Road. In 2005/2006, the building was used to accommodate the Central Statistics Office for the 2006 Census.

The Commissioners have attempted several times (at least 6) over the past number of years to terminate the lease with the Landlord's agents (Savills), but the Landlords were not prepared to engage with them, as they were in the process of selling the building. Danske Bank is the current Landlord; the former Landlord was National Irish Bank.

The building has been used continually since then, and continues to be used as a storage facility for Government Departments, primarily the Revenue Commissioners and is currently substantially full. The building will be surrendered in April 2010 on expiry of the Lease. On surrender of the Lease, issues relating to the condition of the building will be assessed.