asked the Minister for Lands when his Department will give sanction for the lease of lands at Killasbugbrone, Strandhill, County Sligo, to Sligo North West Airport Company Limited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Strandhill (Sligo) Lands.
7.
(Cavan): A meeting was held in November last with the directors of the airport company to clarify some of their requirements and I expect that a decision in this matter will be made in the near future.
Surely the near future is past when the meeting took place in November?
(Cavan): I am speaking about the near future as from now.
Is the Minister aware that this matter has been going on now for over six years?
(Cavan): I am aware that it has been going on for a considerable time, but if it has been going on for six years the Deputy cannot blame me for the entire delay.
I understand that there were protracted investigations which involved a number of Departments and that those discussions and negotiations took quite a while. I can amplify "in the near future" by saying that my information is that a decision will be given very shortly.
Is the Minister hopeful that the decision will be favourable towards the company?
(Cavan): Perhaps the Deputy will keep his fingers crossed.
Surely if the decision to stop planting was made by the Forestry Department six years ago they should now have completed all the investigations necessary to make a final decision?
(Cavan): The Deputy will appreciate that there were Departments other than the Department of Lands.
Yes, Transport and Power. When is the "near future"?
(Cavan): Very shortly.
Next week?
(Cavan): No, I cannot say, but very shortly.
The week after?