Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
287 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the OPW will examine a property (details supplied) in County Mayo with a view to its acquisition; if he will consider its implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30770/04]
View answerMy Department, in co-operation with the Office of Public Works, already owns and manages a large portfolio of built heritage properties. Significant expansion of this property portfolio is not envisaged. Effort is being directed at present to developing a suitable model or models for a national trust arrangement for Ireland; this could harness private sector and voluntary, as well as State, support for the acquisition and management of heritage properties.
My Department does not, in these circumstances, propose to examine the acquisition of the property referred to in the question. This position is without prejudice however to the possible interest of the property for other public bodies or agencies.
