asked the Minister for Defence if he disposed of land at Ardmore Point, Tarbert, County Kerry recently; if any land in that area under the ownership or control of his Department, or any section of it, was disposed of; the purchaser of such property; the price paid; the reason for the decision taken to sell at this time; if the property was offered at any stage to the IDA whose lands adjoin it; if the IDA bidders were present at the auction; and if the IDA was approached by his Department at any time to ascertain its interest in purchasing.
Written Answers. - County Kerry State Property.
153.
Limerick West): In July 1988 my Department advertised for sale by public tender a plot of land comprising about four acres at Fort Shannon, Tarbert, County Kerry. The highest tender received was accepted and the legal formalities governing the transaction are expected to be completed shortly.
It was decided to dispose of the lands because they were surplus to my Department's requirements. Prior to the lands being offered for sale, all other Government Departments were asked whether they had any interest in acquiring the lands. In that regard the Department of Industry and Commerce indicated to my Department that the IDA were not interested in acquiring the lands.
It would be contrary to normal practice to disclose either the sale price or the name of the successful tenderer.