Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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2764. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide the details and addresses of all properties in the ownership of the Department that are absolved from paying commercial rates to the relevant local authority of the location that the property is in; to provide a similar list of properties for agencies or bodies under its remit that are also absolved from commercial rates, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46445/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that my Department does not own any properties that are exempt from commercial rates.

There are eight agencies under the remit of my Department, Pobal, Western Development Commission, Charities Regulatory Authority, Water Safety Ireland, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, and the Ulster-Scots Agency. These agencies are independent legal entities responsible for managing their own corporate affairs in compliance with statutory obligations and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

I note, however, that Údarás na Gaeltachta has a diverse property portfolio including industrial sites, business parks, and office space all of which are in the Gaeltacht. These properties are liable for commercial rates with the costs of same typically falling on the on the tenant/occupier. I also understand that in addition, an t-Údarás also owns a small number of properties exempt from commercial rates. I have asked that agency to provide the Deputy with a list of these properties in the coming days.

Finally, I am informed that none of the remaining seven agencies under my Department’s remit own any properties that are exempt from commercial rates.