Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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76. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ascertain from the OPW its plans for a property (details supplied); the length of time the property has been vacant; if it could be considered for use by an organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56207/21]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the property at Prospect Avenue, Westport, Co. Mayo was sold at auction on the 23^rdJuly 2021, with the sale closing on 27^thSeptember 2021.

The property was formerly used by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) as an Intreo Office. It closed in November 2017 when the DSP relocated to its new Intreo Centre on James Street, Westport.

Following the closure, the OPW proceeded to seek alternative State use interest. The Department of Education expressed an interest in acquiring the property for a primary school under its Patronage Divestment Programme. However, the planning application process undertaken by the Department was unsuccessful.

Subsequently, the local authority considered acquiring the property but decided not to pursue with its acquisition.

As no alternative State use was identified, the OPW proceeded with the disposal of the property.