Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2018
277. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding discussions between his Department and Meath County Council for the provision of lands for a public park in Ashbourne. [21388/18]
View answer278. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding Department-owned land in Ashbourne that has been identified by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for housing purposes; and the status of negotiations. [21389/18]
View answerI propose to takes Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government established a Housing Delivery Office to focus on land and site supply aspects of “Rebuilding Ireland”. As part of that exercise my Department was asked to identify lands which could potentially be used for housing. The site to which the Deputy refers in Ashbourne, was identified as having the potential for housing development.
Officials from Meath County Council have been in contact with my Department in relation to the proposed acquisition of a portion of the site in my ownership for the delivery of housing and public park facilities.
In line with the provisions of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars 11/15 and 17/16 in relation to inter-state transfer of assets, a valuation of the property has been procured from the Valuation Office. This valuation report has recently been provided to Meath County Council by my Department for consideration.
My Department anticipates that a formal response will be received from Meath County Council shortly in respect of this matter.
