National Parks and Wildlife Service

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Questions (812)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

812. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what types of evaluations were carried out before authorising the purchase of Dowth Hall. [1312/24]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

All evaluations, checks and approvals required in relation to the purchase of the lands at Dowth Hall were carried out as per the Public Spending Code, Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property, the State Property Act 1954 and Departmental internal processes including Ministerial and Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) approval.

Inter alia, the following evaluations were carried out and inputs sought:

• Full third party Commercial Valuation;

• Full third party Survey of land and buildings including mapping and searches;

• Inspection by National Monuments Service experts on the archaeological aspects of the estate and lands

• Inspection by National Parks and Wildlife Service experts of the ecological and agri-science aspects of the land;

• Full consultation and advice from the Office of Public Works, including from its historic properties experts; and

• Supporting Business Case including cost benefit analysis as per the Public Spending Code submitted to DPENDR.