asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that Fota Island is kept intact as a unique amenity for the Irish people; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
43.
Written Answers. - Fota Island.
13.
asked the Minister for Education if, in view of her Government's stated opposition to privatisation, she will intervene with the UCC authorities to ensure that Fota is not sold to private developers, and that this major public amenity is retained in public ownership, and if she will make a statement on the matter.
86.
asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that before University College, Cork complete the sale of Fota, Fota House, Fota Wildlife Park, the Italian Gardens, the Arboretum and any other parts of the estate that could be considered public amenities, they remain available, on the same terms of access as of now, to the general public; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 43 and 86 together.
I understand that Fota House, the Arboretum and the grounds which are now open to the public are not in fact to be sold but are to be the subject of a lease to the developers. It is, I understand, the intention of the Governing Body of University College, Cork to have provisions inserted in the lease which will ensure that public access is not in any way diminished and will continue on the same basis as at present. In addition a right of way is to be maintained to the Wildlife Park operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Ireland and which is not involved in any way in either a lease or sale arrangement.
With regard to the part of the estate which is to be sold the position is that the Charter granted to University College Cork under the Irish Universities Act, 1908, gives power to the College, inter alia, to sell real and personal property. I do not have authority, therefore, to intervene in the matter of the proposed sale.