asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the rapid deterioration of the buildings and huts at Fort Lenan, County Donegal, responsibility for which was transferred to his Department some years ago, he will now agree to the many requests that the buildings be made available for a use which would benefit the people in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Buildings.
35.
Mr. Kenny
As I indicated in the course of a reply to supplementaries to a previous question by the Deputy on 19th July, 1973, an application was made on behalf of an oil company for a lease of the entire Fort Lenan property. That project is not being pursued and in the circumstances it is proposed to dispose of the fort proper and appurtenant lands. All interested parties would, of course, have an opportunity of bidding for the property. It is also proposed to proceed with negotiations for the disposal to the sitting tenants of the land lying to the east of the fort.
I am not interested in the disposal of the land at the moment, although it is something which the Office of Public Works must deal with. What I am really worried about is the deterioration of the buildings. I would urge that the buildings be disposed of or that the Parliamentary Secretary accede to the current requests that this property be given to local organisations for use, even temporarily. Will he say that he will do this and will he say also whether he will have repairs carried out and the property kept in order?
Mr. Kenny
It is decided now to dispose of the buildings.
But is it?
Mr. Kenny
Yes.
When?
Mr. Kenny
As soon as it is practicable.
That is what the Parliamentary Secretary said a year ago.
Mr. Kenny
I did not say that a year ago. A year ago I said that while an offer was being made to lease the property to an oil company or to a representative purporting to be an oil company representative, it was still under consideration to lease this property and give the land to the people round about, the tenants who had already grazed it. I said that while this was going on one could not very well dispose of the property. It is now decided to sell the property. This property will probably be sold as all such surplus State property is sold by public auction.
When?
Mr. Kenny
I could not tell the Deputy that. As soon as it is possible.
This time next year I will have another question.
The Deputy will probably be answering it.
Mr. Kenny
We may not be here at all next year.
I would not say I will be putting the question to the Parliamentary Secretary.
Mr. Kenny
You may.