asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received an application from the Kildare County Council for the purchase or leasing, for house-building purposes, of portion of the lands of the Ballyfair estate, Curragh Camp; and, if so, whether it is proposed to accede to the county council's request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfair Estate, Curragh Camp.
Such an application has been received but no part of the property in question is in the market for disposal.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, as the county council requires only about six acres of land on which to erect houses in an area where housing is in urgent need and as the area comprises more than 100 acres which is, I think, more than sufficient for the State's requirements in the area, would he give sympathetic consideration to the question of permitting the council to purchase that small acreage for housing purposes?
This is subject to statutory legislation. In the case of State lands it cannot be made available to the county council or to anybody else except on a competitive basis.
Having regard to the purpose for which the land is required would it be possible to consider letting on lease to the county council on some basis which would satisfy their requirements while, at the same time, safeguarding the State's interests?
I am advised that it would require new legislation to do that.
To lease a piece of land?
I do not think they have power to lease it.
Oh yes they have. In view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary is proceeding on the basis that he could not lease the land—that will be found not to be the correct legal position—would he now kindly have the matter examined from the standpoint of seeing whether it is possible to make a lease to the county council for house-building purposes on a small portion of these lands?
Yes, I will do that.