asked the Taoiseach if there has been a re-evaluation of the importance of the acquisition of Carton Estate, Maynooth, in the context of the recreational requirements of County Kildare following the projected population increase as outlined in the recently published ERDO report; if there has been any approach to the owners of Carton in recent times with a view to acquisition; if there has been a response from the owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carton Estate Acquisition.
1.
As the Deputy is aware, I fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Carton House and demesne. The contents of the recent ERDO report "Eastern Region Settlement Strategy 2011" have been noted in this context. I have met with the owners. However, the position in regard to Carton House and demesne is as outlined in my reply of 10 October last.
Having regard to what the Minister of State has just said, can he indicate at this stage how it might be possible to approach the owners with a proposal? Has he considered that?
My primary consideration is the continued preservation of Carton House and demesne. I have met quite a number of people who might be interested in co-operating in this project if the house and demesne came into public ownership at any stage. Of course there is always the question of finance. If Carton came on the market at the appropriate price, it might be possible to acquire it. This would be a matter for the Government so far as Exchequer financing is concerned. There is other finance available. I have been meeting various organisations. As I understand from the owners, it is very much on the market at the moment.
Has the Minister approached the local authority? There is an awareness in the local authority of the significance of the ERDO report. Since the publication of the report, has the Minister been in touch with the local authority to ascertain whether they might be interested in co-operating in the acquisition on a financial basis?
I have not met the local authority since the ERDO report was published. Previously I met the Kildare county manager, the Dublin county manager and the Meath county manager. I have also been in contact with Bord Fáilte and a number of other organisations all of whom have expressed considerable interest. The basic point is that it is in private ownership. It belongs to a number of business people who are seeking, naturally, their own price for it. That type of price could not be met at the moment.
I accept that the property is in private ownership and that the objective is its preservation. Would the Minister agree that it would be much easier to ensure the continued preservation of the estate if it were in public ownership? In view of the implications in the ERDO report, would the Minister agree that the acquisition has a much broader implication in the context of the provision of recreational facilities for the much larger population which is projected in the report?
I do not think anyone would dispute the value of a major area like that. There are 1,100 acres in all included in the demesne. Its integrity has been preserved since its establishment. I would love to see it in public ownership but there are financial constraints. We are keeping in contact with the situation on an ongoing basis and seeking to put together some sort of a package so that we will be there when it actually comes on the market.