Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 241: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department, the Office of Public Works or the Irish Prison Service is responsible for the sell off of the land and castle at Shanganagh Castle in Shankill. [33974/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 242: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have called on him not to sell the land and castle at Shanganagh Castle; the status of the 6.33 acre site including whether it has been put on the market; the conditions that will be attached to the sale; and if he will ensure that the land is put in the hands of the county council who are best placed to guarantee that it is put to good use for the people of Shankill and the surrounding area. [33975/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

The property referred to is, following a public tender competition, being disposed of for in excess of €20m. The Chief State Solicitor has been instructed to accept the highest tender received and to proceed with the sale. There are no special conditions attached to the sale. The property is vested in the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the disposal has been arranged by the Prison Service.

Officials of the Prison Service recently facilitated a request from the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Manager and his officials to view the property. No detailed discussions on possible future uses of the lands took place nor was the matter raised by the County Manager or his officials. I would like to point out that last year about 21 acres of this site was sold to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. I would also add that Prison Service Officials were at the time informed by the Council that it had no interest in the remaining lands, including the buildings, which have now been sold by Tender.

The proceeds from the sale of this property will be used to offset the costs of the major capital investment programme which I am making in the Prison system.