Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his approval is required for the sale of a forest park (details supplied). [19684/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 May 2017
Ceisteanna (1179, 1189, 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193, 1194)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1189. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the stage the sale of a forest park (details supplied) is at; when a decision is likely to be made on this sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19843/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:1190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the safeguards being put in place to ensure the new owner of a forest park (details supplied) will be obliged to develop the site as a key piece of recreational infrastructure in the region; if as part of the sale the new owner will be obliged to invest in the site; if so, the extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19845/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:1191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the local community will be consulted on the sale of a forest park (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19846/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:1192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte considered the social value of a proposed sale of land at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19866/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:1193. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the sale of a forest park (details supplied) in County Cavan will restrict, impose limits on or impede fishing rights; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19867/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNiamh Smyth
Ceist:1194. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte consulted with Cavan County Council, Cavan local enterprise office, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Fáilte Ireland on the sale of a forest park (details supplied); if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19868/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1179 and 1189 to 1194, inclusive, together.
As all of the Deputy’s questions relate to the same subject, I propose to answer them together. The Forest Park to which the Deputy refers, namely Killykeen Forest Park, Co. Cavan, is part of the Coillte forest estate. Coillte CGA was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of their properties and related transactions, are the responsibility of the company.
The company has, however, provided me with relevant information in relation to this matter. I note, in the first instance, that, while the company is proposing to dispose of the Killykeen Holiday Village Complex, Killykeen Forest Park will not be affected by the proposed disposal. It is also noted that while it forms part of the forest park, the Holiday Village Complex is separate to Killykeen Forest Park. As indicated, actual transactions are operational matters for Coillte.
I am advised that the Killykeen Holiday Village Complex has in effect been on the market since 2009, with a renewed marketing campaign launched in May 2016. I am also advised, in relation to the stage of the proposed disposal, that the transaction is at an advanced stage of negotiation, and that Coillte are optimistic that a completion is imminent. With reference to the Deputy’s query about safeguards, Coillte advise that, in evaluating the submissions from interested parties, the company is taking into consideration their respective business development proposals for the Holiday Complex.
As regards consultation with the local community, I understand that this Complex, which contains circa 30 hectares, has not been open to the general public since 2009 and, as such, the local community will not be adversely affected by the proposed disposal. Coillte also advise that the Forest Park is and will remain open to the general public.
Coillte add that it has considered the social value of the business, and are optimistic that a new owner will invest and redevelop the Holiday Village Complex, thereby creating a valuable tourism resource in this area. I am advised that fishing rights will not be impacted and access to Killykeen Forest Park will not be restricted by the proposed disposal of Killykeen Holiday Village Complex.
I understand, from Coillte, that no direct consultation on the sale of the Holiday Village Complex was held with Cavan County Council. Coillte add that, as part of Coillte’s consultation process for property sales, the company consults with all stakeholders directly affected by the proposed sale and, due to the nature of use of the Holiday Village Complex, Cavan County Council was not one of these stakeholders. Coillte advise, that, as part of other discussions with Cavan County Council, the proposed sale of the Village Complex has been noted and the Council is aware of the proposed sales process.