John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There are two sites involved, sites A and B, the owners of one of which went into receivership. There is a road through the land. People might ask why the Department will not transfer lands needed for the linear park to Meath County Council for a nominal sum. As the Deputy knows, the land was acquired for a considerable sum of money and the Department is, therefore, seeking to ensure the moneys paid for the surplus land can be recouped in full in facilitating the progression of the linear park project within a short timeframe. The Department has told me the mechanisms that can be used to facilitate the linear park project, while also ensuring the Exchequer will obtain the best value for money. They are being explored. As I said, based on my information and given the ongoing discussions and so on, I am hopeful some conclusion can be reached by the Department and Meath County Council within a short period.

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