asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in order to ensure that immediate additional employment is provided in the Gorey area, County Wexford, he will arrange to have expedited the transfer of the Courtown estate from Bord Fáilte Éireann to the Forestry Division of the Department of Lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transfer of Courtown Estate.
I understand that legal formalities have delayed completion of the sale of portion of the board's properties at Courtown to the Department of Lands. I have been pressing the board to have the matter finalised, and I am informed that the board are prepared to let the Department of Lands take possession of the lands concerned pending final settlement of the legal questions.
Do I understand from that that the Department of Lands can take possession of this estate forthwith?
Pending settlement of the legal questions which are outstanding and even these should be cleared up speedily.
Could the Minister give me any indication of the date, because I have been unable to find it out from the other side and perhaps I could have it from his side?
I understand there is some slight doubt about the title for a small portion of a plot but that possession is perfectly clear so far as 313 acres are concerned. That is sufficient to get along with, and the board will allow the Department of Lands to take that. Before very long—they are dealing with the problem—the remainder of the title, which is small, will be cleared.