Vol. 556 No. 4
53 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if a contract has been signed for the sale of Clancy Barracks, Dublin; the person to whom the sale was made; the total amount agreed; if there are conditions attached to the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20514/02]
The Department has accepted an offer from Florence Properties Limited, Jersey, for the sale of Clancy Barracks, Dublin. A contract of sale is expected to be completed shortly. Pending completion of the sale contract it would not be appropriate to refer to the sale price or conditions of sale at this time.
The Minister of State's answer indicates that the sale will be completed very shortly. Has the Minister examined the possibility of ensuring that the property is used for housing or for some other useful purpose?
It is expected that the contract will be signed in the coming weeks. The question of the sale of Department of Defence property for housing was discussed in the Dáil earlier this year, before the Deputy's re-election. It has been agreed to sell the property to Florence Properties.
What general criteria are used in the disposal of departmental property? Is the property inclined to go to the highest bidder or is consideration given to the needs of voluntary organisations or to social housing?
I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that Question No. 53 is specific and relates only to Clancy Barracks.
The main considerations are those of the open market. Every Department must be seen to get the best value for its property. However, the Deputy is aware that some land has been sold to Kildare County Council for community use. In trying to fulfil a civic duty we must be cognisant of the requirement to get the best value.
Who are the beneficial owners of Florence Properties, an off-shore company based in Jersey?
Dublin City Council also made a bid for Clancy Barracks. It is a pity the land was not sold to the local authority, in line with the other policy adopted by the Department. Could the council's bid not be re-examined by the Department?
I am not sure the Deputy is correct regarding a bid from Dublin City Council. It is my understanding that the council did not wish to go ahead with that bid.
Because a contract of sale has not been signed I am not in a position to give information about the beneficial owners of Florence Properties.
