As set out in my reply to Dáil Question No. 1921 of 16 January last, the management of properties occupied by staff of my Department and the bodies under its aegis is primarily a matter for the Office of Public Works. On occasion my Department may also be required to lease additional property for specific purposes. I am advised that any such properties are fully occupied at present.
The Deputy will be aware that the ownership of significant lands across the country, including national parks, national monuments sites, nature reserves and other property acquired for purposes of heritage protection and conservation is also vested in my Department for use in connection with its statutory remit.
Two of the bodies under the aegis of Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Waterways Ireland also own and manage properties in connection with their functions.
Údarás na Gaeltachta is the owner of a significant portfolio of commercial properties in Gaeltacht areas arising from its development role. Details of currently available properties in each of the Gaeltacht counties are available directly from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Waterways Ireland owns land and property along and adjacent to the Royal Canal in Co. Meath. These lands stretch from the townlands of Croboy to Longwood / Boolykeagh, from Newcastle to Ballinderrin and from Ardrums Great to Kilglin (the canal intermittently runs into parts of Co. Kildare along the route from Croboy to Kilglin). Land and property owned by Waterways Ireland is associated with the operation of the inland waterways network and the maintenance of the amenity value of the waterways. The land consists primarily of the canal corridor, adjoining towpaths and banks and areas of bogland. The route of the National Cycle Network runs along the Royal Canal towpath in Co. Meath. Where land is not required for operational or recreational purposes, agricultural land letting agreements have been implemented.
The only property Waterways Ireland owns in Co. Meath is the former Toll Collector’s House at Longwood which is currently held under a 15 year lease by Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club that commenced in 2014.
None of the aforementioned land/property has been made available to Meath County Council or other housing agencies for the purpose of house building. Due to the type of land within Waterways Ireland’s ownership, as described above, this land may not be suitable for housing.
