Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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58. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the rationale for the OPW’s decision to dispose of sites zoned for development on Church Avenue, Dublin 9, and Herbert Lane, Dublin 2, instead of reserving them for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46144/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works policy with regard to non-operational (vacant) State property and sites is to:

1.Identify if the property is required/suitable for alternative State use by either Government departments or the wider public sector.

2.If there is no other State use identified 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 revenue for the Exchequer.

3.If no State requirement is identified or if a decision is taken not to dispose of a particular property, the OPW may consider community involvement (subject to detailed written submission, 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 former Model School at Church Avenue, Glasnevin and the site at Herbert Lane, Dublin were evaluated in line with above disposals policy. As the OPW had no further use for these properties they were offered to all other State sectors to determine if they might have a need to utilise the properties. Neither Dublin City Council, the HSE or the education sector declared an interest in acquiring the properties. As such, the properties were deemed surplus to requirements and a decision was taken to place the property on the open market. All proceeds from the disposal of these properties is returned directly to the Exchequer for appropriate further distribution to public needs such as housing, health and education.