Written answers

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Office of Public Works

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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283. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when buildings (details supplied) were last occupied; his plans for their future use; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16268/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The property referred to by the Deputy is not in the control of the Office of Public Works but is vested in the Courts Service in accordance with section 26 of the Courts Service Act 1998.

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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284. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the name of the entity that currently occupies lands (details supplied); the details of any contractual agreement entered into including any consideration paid for occupation of the lands; the duration of such an agreement; if he will outline the plans of the Office of Public Works for the site; the proposed occupiers and uses of same; the timeline for the completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16269/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) acquired/assembled a development site at Hammond Lane, Dublin 8, over a number of years. The purpose of this acquisition was to facilitate the development of a Family Court complex and office accommodation for the Court Service.

In relation to the current use of the site, the OPW was approached in 2019 by the developers of an adjoining site to request temporary use as a building compound. In October 2019, the Commissioners entered into a licence agreement with the contractor for a period of 1 year with 2 possible extensions of 6 months each permitted. A licence fee of €50,000 was payable for the duration of the licence. In October 2021, the OPW extended the licence for a further 12 month period at the request of the developers. A licence fee of €50,000 was payable for this extension.

It is envisaged that the site will ultimately transfer to the Courts Service to address the need for improved court accommodation for family law cases in Dublin. The development proposed for the site will provide a purpose built facility where family law cases can be dealt with in a dignified, secure and non-threatening environment with all required support services to hand. The complex is being designed with the needs of family law users in mind and is cognisant of reforms proposed in the Family Courts Bill and the Courts Service modernisation programme.

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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285. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works can itemise the lands that it holds in the environs of Dún Laoghaire Harbour; in the case of lands that are leased to yacht clubs or other private organisations, if he will in each case identify the lands, the lease-holder and the annual rent paid, if any; and if he will provide full details and a map of the lands held and leased in each instance. [16270/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they hold no properties in the environs of Dún Laoghaire Harbour in respect of any land leased to yacht clubs or other private organisations.

Photo of Neasa HouriganNeasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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286. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works plans to refurbish the vacant public toilets on Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 to provide public tea rooms and toilet overlooking the children’s playground at the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/22]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Dear Deputy,

The Office of Public Works has previously advised the condition of the premises which you refer to and which have not been in use for over 15 years. In the past, Dublin City Council employed a caretaker to open/close and maintain the toilets. Unfortunately, the toilets were subject to considerable anti-social behaviour and arson, which led to the decision by DCC to close them to the public. OPW will examine the building block in question and will develop a plan to refurbish. It is unclear what might ultimately be possible at this location but we will endeavour to provide toilet and café facility if at all possible.

It should also be noted that there are permanent tearooms at three locations in the Park and the OPW is also considering a mobile unit to serve teas, coffees etc at the Papal Cross. This is due to tender in the coming weeks. I can also advise that there are several toilet facilities located within the Park and these are all open during daylight hours where cleaning staff provide passive surveillance and security.

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