Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012
66 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if Weston Aerodrome, County Dublin, is part of the portfolio of the National Asset Management Agency; the up to date position regarding plans by NAMA for this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22374/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by NAMA that details relating to Weston Aerodrome, which is subject to enforcement action, are provided on its website, www.nama.ie. KPMG is the appointed receiver and the property is currently available for sale through the sales agent, Savills.
67 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the up to date position regarding social dividend provisions in the legislation for the National Asset Management Agency and has anything been delivered under these provisions to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22375/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaking account of its overriding commercial mandate as set out in Section 10 of the National Asset Management Agency Act 2009, NAMA has demonstrated its commitment and contribution to the achievement of wider social and economic policy objectives in line with Section 2 of the Act. This includes NAMA's policy to give first option to public bodies on the purchase of property which may be suitable for their purposes. NAMA also facilitates dialogue between its debtors/receivers and third parties which has enabled the latter to acquire suitable properties for civic, community and sporting purposes.
In December 2011, NAMA identified over 2,000 properties as being available for social housing, representing, potentially, one of the largest housing allocations made in the history of the State. The primary onus is now on local authorities and voluntary and co-operative housing bodies to match their needs against the units which have been identified as available by NAMA. The Deputy may be aware that NAMA also concluded the sale of 58 housing units in Sandyford, Co. Dublin to the Clúid Housing Association in 2011, marking the first time that stock controlled by NAMA was used for the delivery of permanent new social housing. Other such sales are in process.
I am also informed by NAMA that there is significant engagement between the Agency, the Department of Health and Children and the HSE to identify sites for Primary Health Care Centres and other step-down and community health care facilities. The Deputy may also be aware that NAMA has identified 11 sites as being potentially suitable for the location of the Government's planned National Children's Hospital and the Minister for Health and Children is on the public record as saying that he will look at these sites in this context and in the context of the Department's other pressing requirements.
NAMA further informs me that there has been a constructive engagement between the Agency and the Department of Education and Skills, which has already resulted in the identification and sale of lands for schools and to accommodate planned development by certain universities. This engagement is ongoing as is NAMA's interaction with other public bodies, including local authorities. The Agency also works to facilitate engagement between interested parties, including community and sporting organisations, and its debtors/receivers/sales agents and this has led to a number of positive outcomes for both parties.
