Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne, who has adopted a highly constructive approach in this regard. I have had an open mind to ascertain what could be done in a legal sense to help. All I can tell the Senator is that all existing covenants and agreements in respect of the lands in question in Kells must be respected and honoured by Meath County Council, which will become the corporate entity in substitution to Kells Town Council with regard to this property. I am checking the matter legally but all existing covenants and agreements, which refer to the benefit of this particular land for the benefit of the people in the Kells area, must be respected by the new corporate entity. Therefore, that is as far as we can go in this legislation in the context of the changes that are being made in the sub-county structures. However, I certainly am prepared to examine any assurances I can give to the people of Kells or to Meath County Council in terms of further instructions or regulations.