National Asset Management Agency

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2011

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Ceisteanna (38)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

37 Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor asked the Minister for Finance the status of lands known as the Ashcastle site on the border between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council, which lands are bordered by the Booterstown Marsh and Nature Reserve, the Rock Road and the DART line and are in the ownership of the National Asset Management Agency; if said lands are for sale; if said lands have been sold recently; if there is a tender process in existence for purchase of the lands; the estimated value of the lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30333/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The property concerned is listed on the NAMA website among the properties enforced. I understand from NAMA that the property has been offered for sale by a receiver appointed by NAMA. I also understand that the receiver has received offers from potential purchasers and that additional expressions of interest can be directed towards the receiver, RSM Farrell Grant Sparks, at [e-mail]. Any offers to the receiver will be submitted by the receiver to NAMA for the final decision as to which offer should be accepted. NAMA informs me that within the context of its commercial remit, it is at all times open to considering proposals aimed at contributing to broader social and economic objectives. The NAMA Board has committed to giving first option to State bodies on the purchase of property which may be suitable for their purposes where these bodies have requirements such as schools, hospitals, parks, and so on. In the context of this policy and in view of the land’s proximity to the Booterstown Marsh and Nature Reserve, I expect that NAMA will consider any offers which may be submitted by the relevant public bodies before making its final decision.