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Land Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (609)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

609. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals to clearly identify who is responsible for the old land commission network and its repair, upkeep and renewal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7864/14]

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Written answers

By virtue of the provisions of Section 10 of the Land Act, 1965 my Department, as successor to the former Irish Land Commission, does not retain responsibility for the construction, cleansing, maintenance, repair or restoration of embankments, or other works in relation to lands purchased under the Land Purchase Acts. Responsibility for these works normally rests with the property owner.

Arising from the acquisition of a small number of estates, the former Irish Land Commission retained a portion of the purchase money for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of embankments and sluices but only on these particular estates. These retained funds were entrusted to the Public Trustee, who is now an officer of my Department. The Public Trustee has responsibility for the investment of these funds and the income earned may be applied for the specific purposes described in the trust deed for the estates in question. These funds may not be applied for any other purposes.

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