Vol. 482 No. 4
73 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if her attention has been drawn to the grave problems being created for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow as a result of the delay in the sale of land to him by her Department to enable him to provide accommodation for himself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18335/97]
This matter first came to the attention of my Department in January 1997, when it was notified by Wicklow County Council of the granting of planning permission to the individual for the construction of a dwelling. It transpired that a portion (c 0.5 acre) of the proposed site was part of lands formerly the property of Avoca Mines Ltd. (now in receivership) which had been vested in my predecessor in title in 1988. The person had not sought to purchase the land in question and had not sought permission to apply for planning permission. His application was, therefore, invalid and accordingly an appeal against the decision was made to An Bord Pleanála by my Department. The appeal was upheld.
Following the appeal, the person formally applied to purchase the land concerned and agreement in principle was made to sell it to the individual, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.
Every effort is being made in my Department and in the Chief State Solicitor's Office to expedite the contract of sale.
