asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he instructed An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to sell off a 52 acre site it owns in Galway port; if so, the reason; if he is aware that this land is vital to the proper development of Galway port; and if he will instruct BIM not to proceed with the sale and to enter into negotiations with Galway Corporation and Galway Harbour Board, to ensure that the land does not fall into the hands of speculators and remains under public ownership to facilitate the proper development of the port.
Written Answers. - Galway Port Site.
81.
The land in question was purchased by Bord Iascaigh Mhara on behalf of the then Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in connection with the provision of a harbour centre at Galway. Consequent on the relocation of the fishery harbour centre to Rossaveel, the land was no longer required by my Department and its disposal was approved by the Government.
The site containing 54 acres, is divided into two lots by the Dublin-Galway railway line. The area north of the railway line, which is zoned as a green belt, contains 11 acres approximately and the area south of the railway contains 43 acres approximately.
It was decided that the area north of the railway line be offered to Galway Corporation and this sale is at present under negotiation. The area south of the railway line will be advertised for sale on the open market and any proposal received from the Galway Harbour Board will be considered on its merits.