Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 October 2014
91. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is proposed to sell Coillte owned woods at Derrydonnell, Oranmore, County Galway, as part of the sale of State assets; if it is proposed that the sale will proceed on the open market or privately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40699/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the sale of some assets of Coillte, excluding the land, was considered in the context of the State Assets Disposal Programme , it was decided, on 19 June 2013, that it was not the appropriate time to proceed with the sale of the harvesting rights in Coillte and that the focus be on the restructuring of Coillte. It has also since been decided, on 24 June 2014, that Coillte and Bord na Móna should work towards a partial merger of their businesses, focusing on the areas of overlap between the two companies and that a joint venture between the companies will manage their common business activities in biomass, wind energy, shared services and recreation and tourism. Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as land transactions , are the responsibility of the company. Coillte are required under the 'Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies' to comply with certain procedures in relation to the disposal of state assets. I understand that it is normal practice, in the event of a potential land sale, for the company to consult with the local community. The Deputy may, however, contact the Corporate Affairs area in the company directly and they will assist him as much as possible.
