Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
13 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has for the site owned by his Department in Ferrybank, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe site at Ferrybank consists of reclaimed foreshore. This reclamation took place as part of the works connected with the Wexford main drainage scheme and involved the deposition at Ferrybank of material that had been dredged or excavated elsewhere in the harbour.
The lease that was granted under the Foreshore Acts to authorise the deposition of the dredge spoil and other material at Ferrybank has expired. In those circumstances and as the area concerned now consists of reclaimed foreshore, the land in question is State property within the meaning of the State Property Act 1954. The Foreshore Acts do not apply to it.
I am conscious that the land occupies a strategically important location within Wexford Harbour. Accordingly, I view it as essential that an appropriate use is identified for the area that will integrate well with overall plans for the harbour area and Wexford generally. I understand the Office of Public Works is considering the area in question, along with a number of other possible alternatives, as a potential location for the proposed new headquarters of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I am advised also that the Wexford local authorities have given preliminary consideration to the possible use of part of the area for amenity and related purposes.
In view of this interest and given the location of the land in question, I believe there are good prospects for the early identification of an appropriate form of beneficial use for the land in question.
I welcome the fact that this site is being considered as a potential location for the proposed new headquarters of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it moves to Wexford. This would make an excellent site. However, certain conditions would have to be laid down before any building takes place on the site.
The Minister of State will be well aware it was invaded by wealthy business people, namely, Travellers, on the last bank holiday weekend. Wexford County Council has stated this site will not be used again by Travellers or convoys. The use of the site on the last bank holiday weekend had serious repercussions for the business people and the adjoining River Bank Hotel, which had to close that weekend. Who paid for the clean up operation on the site? Did the Department incur any of the expenditure, through Wexford County Council, because it owns the site or did the council incur the full cost?
When does the Minister of State think we will receive an answer from his Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on a deal with the OPW if the new decentralisation package is to be put in place and the building constructed on the site in question?
I hope the OPW will make a decision quickly on the site in question and allow us to locate the headquarters of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government there. I welcome the fact that Deputy Kehoe is in favour of decentralisation given the comments of his Leader and deputy leader on "Morning Ireland" recently, both of whom appear to be totally opposed to it.
They are trying to have it every way.
The Minister should get off the platform. Fianna Fáil cannot have it every way either. In the budget the party cannot make promises it cannot or does not intend to keep. It is about time the party came clean on that and cut out the nonsense.
Fine Gael Deputies say one thing here and then go home where they say something else. They are hypocrites.
Shortly after the recent site invasion, I attended a meeting in Wexford with representatives of the OPW, Wexford County Council and my departmental officials to see what co-operative measures could be put in place to resolve the difficulty. Wexford County Council is seeking proposals on security measures for the site and we hope decisions will be made shortly. I am sure the council in conjunction with the OPW and my Department will discuss the issue of costs. I read in a newspaper last week that Wexford County Council has paid approximately €50,000 to clean up the site but I am not sure who will ultimately bear the cost.
