asked the Minister for Finance the proposals he has for the disposal of Fort Leenan, County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Fort.
114.
Mr. Kenny
A number of inquiries have been received about the sale of the fort but a decision about its disposal has not yet been made.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a Northern Ireland relief committee are prepared to take over this fort—I would nearly call it a national monument although it has not been declared as such—and develop it in order to provide holiday accommodation for the children of the people in the troubled areas in Northern Ireland? If the Parliamentary Secretary is so aware will he go along with this idea?
Mr. Kenny
The Parliamentary Secretary is not so aware. No negotiations have been entered into.
The Parliamentary Secretary had better read his files.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House whether, in fact, any holiday operators have been interesting themselves in this location? Can he say whether the projected oil refinery contract operators, who are proposing to set up somewhere on the shores of Lough Swilly, have indicated their interest in this as hostel accommodation for their workers?
Mr. Kenny
An application was made in April last on behalf of an oil company for a lease of the whole property with an option to acquire the freehold of the surrounding area within five years. Negotiations are still in progress.
I am sorry Deputy Cunningham is not here. I had a lot of correspondence with him about this.