Vol. 537 No. 3
142 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the date on which the Office of Public Works commenced construction of the European Union Food and Veterinary Office at Derrypatrick Grange, County Meath; and the person or body which authorised the commencement of the construction. [15817/01]
Construction of the European Food and Veterinary Office at Derrypatrick Grange commenced on the site on 18 October 1999.
143 Mr. Moloney asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works proposes to sell the land known locally as the Heath on the outskirts of Portlaoise, County Laois. [16137/01]
144 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the future plans of his Department and the Office of Public Works for the lands known as The Great Heath of Maryborough; whether the commonage will be put on open market for sale in 2001 by way of public tender; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the Heath is one of the very few remaining commonages left in the country; and if, having regard to recent controversies surrounding the future of the land, matters can be clarified for the benefit of concerned parties. [16188/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
The Office of Public Works has been engaged in resolving several outstanding legal issues in relation to the Great Heath and this process is now almost complete. It would then be the intention of the Office of Public Works to continue discussions with the local authority to ascertain their views on the future of the property.
The Office of Public Works also intends to hold discussions with the current users to address their concerns and reach agreement with them. The Office of Public Works will then assess the situation and see what options are available. This will include the option of disposing of the property.
