Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - Botanic Gardens.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

114 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the talks and negotiations which took place between the Office of Public Works and his Department on behalf of the Botanic Gardens and the Holy Faith Convent, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, for the sale of land to the Botanic Gardens; if talks are ongoing or completed; if the latter the reason such talks ended; the acreage or price which was involved; if the potential of the Botanic Gardens can be realised without this land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12526/97]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I confirm that my Department has had initial discussions on the acquisition of some land owned by the Holy Faith Order adjoining the national Botanic Gardens which would be considered beneficial but not crucial for the development of the gardens. These discussions are at a preliminary stage, and I wish to make it clear that the area which is of interest to my Department is not included in the lands recently put on the market by the order.