Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the site at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, County Dublin, which Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has requested not be sold, is being sold to private developers to compensate for the overspend on the site at Thornton Hall; and if it is acceptable that the council will be forced to purchase the castle back from the private developers for public use at a greatly inflated cost. [36312/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Following an open tender competition I have accepted the highest offer for the site of 6.33 acres at Shanganagh Castle.The proceeds from the sale of this site in addition to approximately 21 acres previously disposed of to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will meet in full the cost of the site at Thornton Hall. This, contrary to what the Deputy is suggesting, represents excellent value for the State. The sale of the 21 acres to the Council was concluded for a consideration of €9M, a fraction of its market value — on the basis that it would be utilised by the Council for the provision of social and affordable housing.

At the time of the sale of the 21 acres in 2003 Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council expressly stated that it had no interest in the remaining 6.33 acres including Shanganagh Castle a protected structure.