asked the Minister for the Environment the reason he agreed to the purchase by Ballina Urban District Council of a premises (details supplied) in County Mayo; the purchase price of the premises; the number of valuations sought by his Department in respect of the premises; and whether he had any direct or indirect contact with any of the former owners of the premises.
Written Answers. - Purchase of Premises.
103.
The acquisition of this property, including the question of price, valuation and purpose for which the premises was purchased, is a matter for the local authority. I have approved their request to use internal capital receipts, surplus to their housing requirements, to enable them to purchase it. The former owner of the premises has been personally known to me for years. I have no commercial involvement whatsoever with the company referred to in the question.