Vol. 242 No. 9
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that his Department have advertised for sale their premises at Rockgrove, Little Island, County Cork; and if in view of the fact that these premises are tenanted by a number of firms who are a national asset and give much needed employment he will ensure that their future is safeguarded.
114.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will abandon the sale of Rockgrove Camp, County Cork, or otherwise take steps to protect the future of the various industries and tenants at present on the property.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
Tenders have been invited by my Department for the purchase of the entire property known as Rockgrove Camp, Little Island, County Cork, comprising about 37 statute acres, together with buildings thereon. The property is surplus to military requirements. Tenders will be received up to, but not later than noon, on Wednesday, 26th November, 1969.
Thirty-four buildings situated on portion of the property are let on monthly tenancies for business purposes. Any tender which the tenants of these buildings as a group may submit for the purchase of the entire property will be considered in conjunction with any other tenders received. There are also four residential weekly tenancies in other buildings on the land.
It was indicated when tenders were invited that the sale would be made subject to the existing tenancies and a provision to this effect is included in the draft conditions of sale which have already been issued to persons who have expressed interest in the property.
I shall consider the position further after the closing date for tenders.
May we take it that the interests of the workers and their employers, to the number of about 17 industries on that estate, will be safeguarded when the tenders are opened?
Every relevant factor will be taken into account.
Is the Minister aware of the uneasiness and the disquiet amongst the workers there, numbering over 100, at the appearance of this advertisement in the papers?
The Deputy himself and others have expressed this anxiety to me. I am completely conscious of it.
