Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources further to Question No. 329 of 2 November 2005 if any payment was sought or obtained from France for the transfer of ownership of the Loran C mast in April 2005; if the figure of €27,829 for storage costs in 2005 covers only the time prior to this transfer and his plans for the 137 acres at Loop Head. [33467/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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No payment was sought or obtained from France for the transfer of ownership of the Loran C mast, as France and The Netherlands had originally purchased the mast and equipment. In accordance with the North West European Loran C System, NELS, international agreement, France agreed to contribute 50% of the capital expenditure for the new station in Ireland, The Netherlands agreed to 5%, and Ireland the remaining 45%. It was also agreed that the funding provided by France and The Netherlands, 55%, should be used to purchase the mast and transmitter, and Ireland's 45% would fund the purchase of the land and the civil engineering work.

As the mast was never erected, Ireland accepted that moneys were owed to France and The Netherlands in respect of the mast and equipment purchased jointly by them. Following discussions, France agreed to accept the equipment in its current state and that Ireland would have no further liability in this regard. The Netherlands agreed to the transfer of the mast and equipment to France without any further formalities.

The figure of €27,829 paid in 2005 covers storage charges arrears owed for the period from June 2003 to November 2003, and for storage for the period from 4 February 2005 to 4 May 2005. The NELS agreement will not legally cease until 31 December 2005. This will be followed by a six month winding-up period. The future of the Loop Head site will then be considered.