Enda Kenny
Ceist:120 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the role of the Government in the purchase by the State of the Battle of the Boyne site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18652/02]
Written Answers. - Historic Properties.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:135 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the cost which accrued to the Government in respect of the purchase by the State of the Battle of the Boyne site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18653/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 135 together.
On 8 January 1998, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Andrews, announced that he had asked officials to examine "how best to encourage and facilitate an understanding of the Battle of the Boyne and an appreciation of the environment in which it took place". Subsequently, an interdepartmental committee, including representatives of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, the Taoiseach, the Environment and Arts, Heritage and the Islands was established. The committee recommended the purchase of the Battle of the Boyne site.
The Government decision in November 1999 was to acquire the Battle of the Boyne site. In December 1999 agreement was reached between the Office of Public Works and the vendors on the purchase of approximately 50 acres from Bassinghall Limited for £450,000, and the acquisition of Deepriver Limited for £7.4 million. The sole asset of Deepriver Limited was the 450 acre Oldbridge Estate.
Sanction was received from the Department of Finance for the expenditure of £7.85 million, €9.97, on the purchase of the property. On 2 August 2000, the purchase of the property was completed.