Mr. David Moloney:

One-off purchases of land are slightly different. They are covered by a different circular. They require an economic appraisal and evaluation and an estimate of the value of the lands involved. In 2021, the estimate of the value of the lands provided by the OPW was significantly below the values sought at the time. In 2022, a revised estimate was provided. A strong business case was provided and sanction was given to the OPW for the full amount it requested. Unfortunately, it was not successful and there was another purchaser. I understand the OPW has been having discussions with the purchaser. Inevitably, there is a need to challenge, specify and justify value for money at the initial stage of a project. One-off purchases of land and buildings, in particular, have been challenging over time.