Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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114. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the letting arrangements for Miesian Plaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48261/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) have entered into a 25 year lease in respect of Block 1 Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street. The lease commenced on the 21^stDecember 2016 and the current annual rent is €8.8m.

Miesian Plaza provides accommodation for over 900 civil servants from four Government Departments, including head quarter accommodation for the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The building also provides additional accommodation for the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Miesian Plaza is one of the flagship buildings in the State’s office portfolio and represents best in class in terms of modern office accommodation. Most importantly for me, is the fact that this building has the highest credentials in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.

Following completion of the lease an issue arose in relation to the measurement standard applied as the basis of calculation of the annual rent. When the issue was identified the OPW engaged with the Landlord to mitigate the effect of this issue in a manner that would be acceptable to both parties.

As a result of lengthy, complex and intensive engagement, at a very senior level, between the OPW and the Landlord, the parties have agreed to extend the lease on Miesian Plaza by a period of 9 months at a nominal rent of €10 per annum. A Deed of Variation has now been finalised to give effect to this agreement.

The OPW considers that this agreement is the best possible outcome achievable for the taxpayer in all the circumstances. While this issue of measurement was unfortunate and should never have arisen, I would acknowledge the efforts of my own officials and the representatives of the landlord in bringing the issue to a conclusion. The engagement between the OPW and the Landlord on this matter was at all times constructive and professional.

Out of courtesy, given their ongoing interest in the matter, the OPW have informed the Public Accounts Committee of the outcome of their engagement with the Landlord on this issue.