Mary Harney
Ceist:10 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the procedures which apply to the sale of land in the ownership of the IDA; and if all such land is sold by public auction. [10557/97]
Other Questions. - IDA Lands.
Land in IDA Ireland ownership is largely sold to client companies of the IDA and Forbairt as part of a package to promote industrial development and to create industrial undertakings, either foreign or indigenous, which will provide employment, in accordance with the Industrial Development Acts, 1986 to 1995. In addition, land swops with local authorities are agreed when this is in the interest of the different development mandates of both organisations. Land is also sometimes disposed of to support industrial infrastructure as, for example, to the ESB for the provision of electricity sub-stations. In these circumstances, the issue of public auction does not arise.
I tabled this question because of what I came across in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, last week. This is also the subject of another question on the Order Paper in the name of another Deputy for written reply. I was surprised to learn that land which had been intended to be used for the purpose of industrial development was privately sold without anybody in the area being aware of it. Will the Minister agree that it is an unacceptable practice that land in the possession of a public body should be sold on this basis?
The Industrial Development Authority may dispose of land in its ownership in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Development Acts, 1986 to 1995, section 16 of which provides that, for the purpose of facilitating the provision of sites or premises for the establishment, development or maintenance of an industrial undertaking, the IDA may sell, lease or otherwise dispose of property vested in the Authority.That is what occurred in this instance. The IDA was approached in respect of a proposal for a recycling industry which the company involved proposed to develop. The IDA agreed to the sale subject to planning permission which was granted by Roscommon County Council and subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála. I understand the board has found in favour of the company and the IDA is bound by its contractual commitments.
I have been approached by the group concerned. It seems it is an inappropriate use of what was public land. I understand what the Minister said about the relevant section of the Act but common sense should have prevailed.
The proposal was assessed by the IDA which judged that it was an industrial undertaking within the meaning of the Act which governs its activities. I understand it is a recycling industry, the purpose of which is to manufacture particular products for sale. The IDA does not see its role as that of a planning authority deciding environmental and amenity issues which are raised subsequently. The planning authority was Roscommon County Council which supported the application as did An Bord Pleanála on appeal. I am aware of the considerable concerns expressed locally but the issues fall to be examined by the board and the county council. That is where they were examined and decisions taken.
Will the Minister agree that it will be much more difficult to market the remaining IDA land at this location because it seems this particular facility, worthy though it is, is not appropriate to an industrial park? Will he agree it has been opposed by one of the major companies in the area because it believes it is incompatible with its product? That being the case, what plans does the IDA have for the remainder of the land? Will the Minister accept that it will be more difficult for it to find suitable projects?
I do not have specific answers to those questions but it is my understanding that the board and the county council, in their decisions, have deemed that the proposal and the way the industry will be run as a business are in compliance with the industrial designation of the land and, given the restrictions agreed, as set out in the planning Acts, are in the best interest of the development of the area. Clearly, they have expressed satisfaction with what has been proposed and will enforce the conditions which have been attached to the planning permission to ensure the industry is operated in such a manner that it will not damage the amenity or adjoining lands or the opportunity to develop other industrial activities.
Is the Minister aware that considerable disquiet, indignation and concern has been expressed not alone by residents but by commercial and industrial interests also?
I met a group from the area which included Deputies from my own party and the party opposite to discuss their concerns which I fully understand. They fall, however, to be decided not by the IDA or the Minister for Enterprise and Employment but by Roscommon County Council and, on appeal, An Board Pleanála whose decisions have to be respected. The IDA is bound by the contractual commitments it made to the company involved.