asked the Minister for Finance if he has received an application from Meath County Council for permission to purchase a site for a fire station beside the Garda Barracks in Dunshaughlin, County Meath; and what decision he has made on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Fire Station.
64.
The Commissioners of Public Works have received an inquiry from the chief fire officer, Meath County Council, as to whether they would consider favourably an application for the sale of part of the Garda station site at Dunshaughlin for the erection of a fire station.
In principle the commissioners are willing to facilitate the county council in this matter and they will enter into negotiations with the council accordingly.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if, in fact, a letter written by the chief fire officer to his Department has yet been replied to?
On 29th November, 1971, the county council's chief fire officer inquired if an application for a lease of part of the site would be considered. The commissioners approached the Department of Justice and that Department have now stated that they no longer have any objection to the county council's proposal and as a result the commissioners will now communicate with the Meath County Council with a view to negotiating for an assignment or sublease of part of the site.
So, the Parliamentary Secretary is, in fact, saying that it takes two months to get a reply to a simple request. I am not blaming him for it but I think he should suggest——
It is not too much, with Christmas and all that intervening.
Christmas does not occur in November even in County Meath. The Parliamentary Secretary must agree that two months is too long. It was not the start of it.
The Deputy realises that we are dealing with taxpayers' money and must examine these things and must make sure that other Departments are not concerned. There is a certain amount of red tape.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that the Department of Justice told him before that letter was written that, in fact, there would be no objection. When they could tell him that, they could tell the chief fire officer.
It takes a little time.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say for what purpose this portion of a site which is sought to be purchased by Meath County Council was being put to over the past five years, if any?
Acting Chairman
It does not seem to arise.
It is not on my brief either. I am sorry.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the use to which a site is being put is relevant in relation to its sale?
When the Office of Public Works entered into a lease in 1926, I was not born. I cannot say.
They could tell you what has been happening for the last five years.