Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020
224. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works will remove dangerous trees in a residential area on lands (details supplied) which are falling and are extremely dangerous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13839/20]
View answerUnder the provisions of Section 28 of the State Property Act 1954, property held by dissolved companies at the time of dissolution can vest in the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. There are often complex title and other legal issues associated with such properties, particularly given that the interest acquired by the Minister is described as a defeasible interest as it may be defeated by restoration of the company within a period of time.
In this particular case, the Office of Public Works and the Chief State Solicitor's Office have been working through a number of complicating legal issues which are dependant on responses from third parties in order to reach a firm conclusion. Efforts are continuing and some progress is being made.
Notwithstanding this, I understand from my officials that the OPW has, over the last few years, made a number of interventions, including works to reduce risk to persons living in the area. With regard to the trees in the small forested section to the rear of this estate, the OPW has recently undertaken an initial assessment of this area.
The OPW will continue to work through the legal issues referred to above, in consultation with the CSSO.
