Dinny McGinley
Ceist:52 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to refurbish Rockhill House, Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17644/01]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.
A tender competition is currently under way in my Depart ment for phase II of refurbishment works to Rockhill House. Phase I of the works involved the treatment of dry and wet rot and renovation in the south-east wing and roof repairs to the north-east wing of the main building. This phase was completed in December 1999 at a cost of £360,000. The proposed works under phase II include a general refurbishment of the areas in the south-east wing that have already been treated for dry-wet rot. The tenders are due for return to my Department on the 21 June 2001.
Jack Wall
Ceist:53 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the sale of houses at Orchard Park, Kildare. [18326/01]
There are 100 married quarters for sale in Orchard Park. So far, 81 of the occupants have opted to purchase the properties while a further five houses which had been vacant are being sold following tender competitions which were restricted to serving members of the Permanent Defence Force. A number of the occupants of the remaining 14 properties in the estate have indicated a wish to purchase but have not for one reason or another been able to make a firm commitment. The Chief State Solicitor has advised that contracts of sale for the houses in question are, at present, in the process of being issued to the purchasers' solicitors. To date, contracts have been issued in respect of 53 of the houses and this process is ongoing. The first of the sales was completed last week.