asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation for the purpose of vesting in local authorities the fee-simple of all lands acquired or occupied by such local authorities
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities' Lands.
Local authorities already have power to acquire the fee-simple of lands held by them on lease for any of their statutory powers and duties.
Is the Minister aware that South Cork Board of Health leased one acre of land for 60 years at £5 a year and built a house for a doctor on it, worth £750? When the lease expired the board offered £150 for the site, but the owner refused and now demands the land as well as the house.
I am aware that the transaction which the Deputy mentions is likely to be the subject of proceedings in the courts and I do not propose to make any comment on it.
Is it not all the more reason why legislation should be introduced so that people of that kind could not exploit the position, by confiscating public property?