Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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178. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a decision will be made as to whether the former Department of Social Protection property (details supplied) in County Mayo is available for reallocation or disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44952/15]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The OPW's policy relating to non-operational properties is, firstly, to identify alternative State use. If there is no other State use for a property the OPW will then consider disposing of the property on the open market, if and when conditions prevail, in order to generate much needed revenue for the Exchequer. If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property the OPW would consider community involvement subject to the receipt of an appropriate business case which would indicate that the community/voluntary group has the means to insure, maintain and manage the property and that there are no ongoing costs for the Exchequer.

The property at Prospect Avenue was vacated by the Department of Social Protection when it relocated to the Intreo Office on James Street, Westport. The OPW has been in the process of considering the future of the vacated property and the applications received from interested parties in line with the above policy.

However, recent flooding events in the area has meant that the Department of Social Protection now require the property at Prospect Avenue on a temporary basis while issues relating to flooding are addressed. At the end of this time, the OPW will re-consider the applications by interested parties.