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NAMA Operations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2018

Thursday, 15 February 2018

Ceisteanna (109)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

109. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Finance if he will raise with the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, the development for commercial use of the land used by a club (details supplied) for its playing pitches; his views on whether NAMA is delivering on its social responsibilities to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that NAMA does not own or manage properties. NAMA acquired loans and the properties securing those loans continue to be managed by their legal owners or, in the case of enforcement, by duly appointed insolvency practitioners, who are responsible for the management of the properties and for decisions regarding future strategy for the properties. Under Section 10 of the NAMA Act 2009, NAMA is required to obtain the best achievable financial return for the State from its acquired loans and the properties that secure its loans. As Minister for Finance, I have no role in respect of NAMA's commercial operations or decisions.

In this instance, I am advised that the lands referred to by the Deputy are currently under the control of a receiver. Prior to the receiver’s appointment, I am advised that Tyrrellstown GAA Club entered into a temporary, informal agreement with the property owner. This informal agreement enabled the club to use the lands on a temporary basis, free of charge. It was expected that community playing fields developed by Fingal County Council would cater for the needs of sports clubs in the Tyrrellstown area, and I understand that this agreement with Tyrrellstown GAA Club was always accepted by the club as being no more than a temporary arrangement until such time as the owner of the land – in this case, the receiver – determined the ultimate strategy for the land concerned.

I am also advised that following the appointment of a receiver over the lands, the receiver sought to regularise the existing informal arrangement by way of a formal licence agreement. A draft licence agreement was forwarded to the club in October 2017, but as yet, the club has not responded to repeated contacts from the receiver to finalise this agreement.

I am advised that the lands the club currently occupy are zoned for mixed-use development, not for amenity purposes. As a result, I understand it will not be possible for the club to remain in this location on a long-term basis. I am advised that as part of the zoning process for the Tyrrellstown area, the property owner ceded land comprising 60 acres to Fingal County Council for use as amenity space and school sites, and I understand that it is the responsibility of the Council to develop playing fields within this area in line with its original arrangement with the land owner.  

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