asked the Minister for Finance whether any, and, if so, what steps have been taken to dispose of the derelict military barracks at Kinsale; whether the State is still responsible for the annual rent of about £67 since this barracks was destroyed in 1922; whether a proposal was received about eighteen months ago from the Kinsale Urban District Council to take over portion of the building known as the married quarters to reconstruct houses thereon under the Housing (Building Facilities) Act, 1924, and if he will state why the transfer of this building to the Urban Council has not been expedited.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KINSALE MILITARY BARRACKS.
SEÁN PRIOMHDHAIL
Advertisements inviting offers for a lease of the site of the destroyed military barracks at Kinsale (excluding the portion known as the married quarters) have been inserted by the Commissioners of Public Works in the daily newspapers, but the only inquiry received was from the Urban District Council. In July last the Council made an offer of £40 per annum for a 99 years' lease of the whole site, but, as the State is responsible for the payment of a headrent of £66 per annum in respect of the property, this offer was considered inadequate. Negotiations between the Commissioners and the Council for a leas of the portion of the barracks known as the married quarters, to be utilised for housing purposes, are still proceeding. The Commissioners have received details of the Council's housing scheme, and the rent expected for a 99 years' rebuilding lease of this portion of the site will very shortly be communicated to the Council.