asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state in regard to bodies, under the control of his Department, who hold land for which they have no further use, the procedure adopted when selling same; whether this is done by public auction or by tender; and if he will make a full statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Sales by Semi-State Bodies.
29.
The authority of State-sponsored bodies to dispose of land derives in each case from the particular legislation relating to each body. Generally, the legislation does not specify any particular procedure to be followed, except in the case of the disposal by Córas lompair Éireann of land on abandoned railway lines. In that case, the Transport Acts provide that land may be sold by public auction to any person but that sale by private treaty may be made to certain specified categories such as tenants of the railway land, owners or tenants of adjoining lands, a local authority or public utility undertaking. In the case of other bodies, the manner of disposal of land is a matter for the board of the particular body having regard to the circumstances of each case.
As regards harbour authorities, section 159 of the Harbours Act, 1946, requires that my consent must be obtained for the sale of land.
Is the Minister aware that the ESB in Marina, Cork, have sold 12 to 15 acres of land quite recently and is he aware that this was never advertised in the public Press? Why was it not advertised in the public Press and would the Minister tell the House what price was paid for the land?
This was quite a straightforward business arrangement. There was an exchange of properties between the ESB and Tedcastle McCormick Ltd. As part of the transaction the board transferred to Tedcastle McCormick Ltd. ownership of 18 acres at a valuation of £115,000. This figure was based on an independent professional valuation. It was quite an open business arrangement.