Vol. 395 No. 1
26 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the impending sale of a large portion of Lyon's Estate, Celbridge, County Kildare; if she is concerned that the disposal of this property will detrimentally affect research and development in the agricultural industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The question of the re-organisation of teaching and research in the faculty of general agriculture in UCD has been under consideration for some time by the college authorities. This consideration includes the necessity for and the extent to which Lyon's Estate is required for teaching and research in the college. The committee appointed by the governing body to consider this matter has completed its report and a decision has been taken by the college to sell a portion of Lyon's Estate, including the house. This decision was taken after due consideration of the needs of the faculty of general agriculture for teaching and research. I have been advised that the college and the Higher Education Authority are satisfied that the sale will not detrimentally affect the capacity of the college to undertake any required agricultural research and development and I accept their judgment in the matter.
