Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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277. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of residential properties owned by the Office of Public Works in the Phoenix Park that are vacant; the plans of the OPW to have such properties occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25136/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of the State, manage a large and diverse property portfolio of over 2,500 properties. These range from office accommodation to heritage properties, visitor centres, Garda stations, among others.

In addition, there are a limited number of sundry residential dwellings that are intrinsic to the estates of parks and gardens as part of our National Historic Properties managed by the Office of Public Works. In general, these are allocated to staff in specific posts, such as Park Superintendents, Deer Keepers, etc. where there is a requirement for them to be present on the ground.

There are 7 such dwellings in the Phoenix Park that are currently unoccupied, due to the poor condition of the properties. It is hoped that as funds become available the OPW will commence a programme of refurbishment of these properties, at which point a decision on their future use will be considered in line with their particular location as part of the Phoenix Park estate.