Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Lands.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

132 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will sanction the purchase by local authorities in County Kildare of lands currently for sale by the Department of Defence at Devoy Barracks, Naas, which has been zoned for residential development, for use by the local authorities for council housing, the private sites scheme, the rental subsidy scheme, co-operative housing and affordable housing; and if he will provide the necessary funding to the local authorities for the purchase and development of these levels. [15576/00]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy):

The disposal of lands by the Department of Defence is a matter for the Minister for Defence. I understand that the lands referred to by the Deputy have not as yet been offered for sale.

I have received no proposal on the purchase of these lands from any local authority in Kildare. However, as the Deputy is aware, I am anxious to facilitate local authorities to acquire land for housing.

It is open to a local authority to purchase lands for its housing needs from its own internal resources or by borrowings and funding is available through the housing finance agency for land acquisition by local authorities for housing purposes.