Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Recycling Depots.

Denis Naughten

Question:

113 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions, if any, she has had with interested parties since she took office in relation to the proposed development of a recycling depot at Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12696/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I have not had any discussions with interested parties concerning the recycling depot at Ballaghaderreen since I took office.

I understand that IDA Ireland, which operates under the remit of my Department, sold a portion of its land for the development of this waste recycling depot at Ballaghaderreen. Sale of property for industrial purposes is a statutory function of the agency under section 16(1) of the Industrial Development Act, 1986 and is not one in which I have a direct function.

The sale of this property to the promoter was subject to planning permission plus all other requisite licences and approvals being obtained. Planning permission was granted by Roscommon County Council. Following an appeal by local resident groups, this permission was upheld by An Bord Pleanála.

I understand that due to the concerns expressed by local interest groups when this sale was entered into, IDA Ireland agreed to assist the promoter in identifying an acceptable alternative site for the proposed recycling facility. However, despite the agency's best efforts it did not prove possible to locate a viable alternative site.

In the circumstances, the promoter sought to complete the sale on foot of binding agreements and IDA Ireland was bound to proceed with the sale as all the contractual conditions has been satisfied. This property is no longer the responsibility of the agency and the current owner now has discretion to complete the provision of the waste recycling facility for which he has been granted planning permission.