Ms Imelda Hurley:

That sale is on pause and continues to be on pause while there is ongoing engagement with the local community. I acknowledge that during the Covid-19 pandemic, engagement with local communities was more difficult. In some instances an information vacuum perhaps developed. We are engaged with the local community in that specific instance. The most recent update was that a trails officer entirely independent of Coillte reviewed the local community or residents' group's proposal and considered if there were alternative options. As regards the local community, a county walkway is being developed and we are engaged on that and working it through. That is where that case is at this time.

Regarding process, there are times when we dispose of a piece of land. We are often approached in relation to a request. We will review that and have reviewed in detail our processes regarding land sales, particularly as we are now able to go back out and re-engage with the public. The lands are usually advertised and where there may be a local concern, we now work to ensure we meet the local community or people in the area along with the purchaser so that people are clear on what the proposal is.