Taoiseach's residence

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There is no official residence for the Taoiseach (prime minister of Ireland). In the 1970s, plans were made to turn the former Apostolic Nunciature, (formerly the Under Secretary's Lodge) into an official residence. However the plans fell through and the Georgian building was subsequently demolished.

In 2006 it was announced by the OPW that Steward's House a house located on the Farmleigh estate has been renovated. It is believed that the house will become the official private residence of the Taoiseach after the next general election in 2007[citation needed], and any official engagements will be carried out in the nearby Farmleigh or Government buildings.

There is political sensitivity at Government level about the project, with some concerned that it could be depicted as a lavish "perk" for the Taoiseach. A spokeswoman for the Taoiseach said Mr Ahern has no interest in using it, and will remain living in his current home.

The current Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, TD lives in a private home off Griffith Avenue, Dublin.