Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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51. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures he is taking to speed up the delivery of local projects on publicly owned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40156/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.

This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.

This diversity can give rise to a large number of queries on individual properties, including from the users / occupants of properties, owners of adjacent properties, the general public and public representatives. By their nature, property transactions can be complex and, depending on the circumstances in any particular case, can take some time to resolve. I am assured by the OPW that property issues that arise are dealt with as expeditiously as possible in light of competing priorities and available resources.

In this regard I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a draft lease has been issued by the Chief State Solicitor’s Office to Kerry County Council’s legal team in relation to the site for the proposed playground adjacent to the Blasket Visitor’s Centre in Dun Chaoin. The OPW and the CSSO will continue to give this priority and liaise closely with Kerry County Council and their legal team to conclude this transaction.

If the Deputy wishes to follow up on any other particular issues he is welcome to email my office or to raise any issues with me in person.