Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Officials in my Department have advised me that the property referred to by the Deputy is not surplus to requirements and is currently being considered for alternative State use and therefore cannot be made available for use by a community group.

Should the property become surplus to requirements the property will be dealt with in accordance with the OPW's Disposal Policy.

The OPW's Disposal Policy with regard to vacant State property, is to:

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

2. If there is no other State use identified for a property, the OPW will then consider disposing of it 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).