Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
200. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the sell-off in late 2021 by Shannon Development of the entire Tarbert-Ballylongford landbank (details supplied) in County Kerry to the privately-owned company which at the time of the sale had applied for planning permission for an LNG terminal was completed without any preconditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3116/22]
View answerThe sale of the land in question is a commercial matter for the Shannon Group. The Company has advised that it is not at liberty to share confidential information pertaining to the transaction.
I can advise the Deputy however that Shannon Group is subject to the obligations provided for in the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act, 2014. As a State body, it is also required to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. Compliance with the Code is affirmed to me annually by the Chair of Shannon Group. The Code outlines certain procedures that should be followed in relation to the disposal of State Assets. I have been advised by Shannon Group that the sale of the land in question was approved by the Board of Shannon Group in 2018. The process for the sale was in accordance with the provisions of the Code including those relating to Property Acquisition and Disposal of Surplus Property and included a competitive and transparent tendering process.
