Vol. 398 No. 4
17 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence the total amount of land owned by the Army in the State; the amount of this land which is used for agricultural purposes; the revenue deriving from such use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are approximately 21,000 acres of land administered by my Department. These lands are primarily used for military purposes but approximately 18,000 acres are also used for grazing and other agricultural purposes. The revenue earned from the lands is £83,000 per annum.
Does the Minister have plans to privatise any of these lands?
It happens now and again on an ad hoc basis and we have stepped up the interest in it. I got the military authorities to carry out a more detailed survey of market possibilities, which they are doing at present. As I said, the approach up to now has been on an ad hoc basis and I should like to get a schedule of market possibilities in regard to such lands with a view to disposing of some of them.
