Vol. 508 No. 1
187 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department disposed of any assets or property with a value of or greater than £200,000 between 1987 and 1992 inclusive without going to public tender; if so, if he will give details and circumstances of these sales; and the reason for the decision not to go to public tender. [18060/99]
During the period in question two properties, which were part of the portfolio of assets retained by the forest service under section 39 of the Forest Act, 1998, were sold for more than £200,000 without going to public tender.
Kinnity Castle and Adjoining Land, County Offaly, the castle and 64.26 acres were sold by the Department of Energy (forest service) to SFADCo for £250,000 – negotiated sum. The sale was completed in February 1991. Consideration was given to sale by public tender but it was decided to sell by private treaty to SFADCo in view of the company's wish to develop the property as the focus of a major tourist amenity, taking advantage of the facilities afforded by the surrounding forest area.
Lands at Glen Ding, County Wicklow, sold by the Department of Energy (forest service) to Roadstone Dublin Ltd. for £1.25 million – negotiated sum. Sale closed in December 1991. The circumstances of this sale are the subject of a report to the House by the Committee of Public Accounts.
