Vol. 517 No. 6
335 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason a delay has occurred in the proposed land sale by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that the purchasers have continuously provided the information sought, the family has farmed the particular land for over 30 years and the delay is causing hardship; if it will be resolved as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10579/00]
Negotiations have been in train for some time between the family concerned and Waterways Ireland which formed part of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department to try and set a purchase price for the land. I understand that Waterways Ireland have received an offer from the family in the last couple of days, which is with their valuers for their further advices as soon as possible.
Waterways Ireland, a North/South implementation body for inland waterways, was established on 2 December 1999 on foot of the British-Irish Agreement and the supplementary Implementation Bodies Agreement signed in March 1999. It has the functions of management, maintenance, development and restoration of certain inland navigable waterways systems throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. I have to advise the Deputy that the matter raised by him is now one for consideration by Waterways Ireland.
