asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the amount expended in constructing and maintaining Foynes Country Club to date; and the reasons for disposing of the property.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foynes Country Club.
As tenders for the purchase of the Foynes Country Club have been invited to reach the Department of Industry and Commerce not later than the 25th October, I think it would be preferable at this stage not to furnish particulars of the cost of construction. I will arrange to have this information sent to the Deputy when the premises are disposed of.
The property is now being offered for sale as it is not required for the purpose for which it was constructed. It was originally intended as a hostel to accommodate staff exployed at the flying boats base at Foynes. When flying boats ceased to operate on the North Atlantic route, the staff at Foynes was transferred to Rineanna. The hostel was used up to June to accommodate transatlantic passengers and crews where services were delayed overnight at Rineanna. Accommodation has now been provided at Rineanna for this purpose. Foynes Hostel has since been operated successfully as a Country Club, and it is now being offered for sale as a going concern.
Is that a white elephant, Sir?
Not quite.