Future use of €1 mill Portlaoise idle public land 'under active consideration'

The State agency responsible for buildings and land owned by the State has yet decide what to do with land bought to facilitate the Charlie McCreevy inspired decision to decentralise civil servants to Portlaoise nearly 20 years ago.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has replied questions raised by Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley about use of the land formerly owned by the IDA in Portlaoise and which was purchased almost two decades ago.

The Sinn Féin TD said the OPW-owned site in Portlaoise has been lying vacant since its purchase. Offices for staff from the Department of Agriculture and other State bodies that were earmarked for the site never built but millions of euro have been spent renting offices for such staff in Portlaoise since 2003 when the Fianna Fáil/PD Government announced the controversial plan.

When asked about the future of the site by the Leinster Express / Laois Live, the OPW revealed that there is no plan in place to make use of it.

"The Office of Public Works’ preference is that functions of infrastructural importance or those which are viewed as a long-term commitment should, where possible, be accommodated in State-owned properties. This would include headquarters for central Government Departments, State security services, etc" it said.

However, it added that: "The future use of the site purchased for decentralisation in Portlaoise is under active consideration in light of State requirements".

The property management agency said the recently published Spending Review Paper found that, when the State is acquiring significant property for office accommodation, the new build or purchase options should be considered, particularly if there is a long-term requirement, subject always to the prevailing market conditions and available funding.

The idle site is located just off the Mountrath Road. Its purchase from the IDA, another taxpayer funded agency, was  approved by Government in 2005. The IDA bought land in October 2022 beside its technology park to 'future-proof' the property offering in attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Laois in particular. 

In its reply the OPW also gave an update on the overhaul of the Portlaoise Garda Station to become the Division Headquarters for policing in Laois, Offaly and Kildare.

"The initial phase for the main project (enabling works) has commenced and the tender documentation for the main project is being finalised for issue shortly," it said.

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The OPW said that through funding made available under the National Development Plan, the OPW has also been successful in securing funding for a broad range of projects, which includes a number of office developments which it said would further enhance the balance of leased and owned accommodation.

It added that it continually seeks efficiencies in the proactive management of its office portfolio. Rents reduced from €130m in 2009 to €98m in 2013 and remain at €103m in 2021.