THE government has refused to comment on the future use of a building touted to become the official residence of Irish taoisigh, more than a year after the outlay of €600,000 on its renovation and upgrading of security.

It has been claimed that the Taoiseach is reluctant to make any move in relation to the lavish Steward's Lodge at Farmleigh in an era of financial strain.

Details on the Phoenix Park residence were refused to the Sunday Tribune under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act as its "potential use/habitation is currently under consideration".

The Office of Public Works, which administers state properties, said the documentation was being withheld "because the records in question contain matter relating to the deliberative processes of public bodies".

However, according to the government press office, no such deliberation process exists in relation to the property.

A spokesman said Taoiseach Brian Cowen uses the premises occasionally but that no further official designation is expected.

Labour's finance spokeswoman Joan Burton said that any move to formally brand it the 'Taoiseach's residence' could attract negative publicity.

"I think the government is being very cautious and careful given the current financial situation and they are anxious not to incur any further negative publicity," she said.

By the end of 2008, Cowen had spent just five nights in the house since becoming Taoiseach the previous May and the house's official use has remained unclear despite considerable investment and security overhauls.