Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Defence if a figure was stated to Dublin City Council as the asking price for Clancy Barracks; if so, the amount stated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6697/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 350 on 14th February, 2007, following on the Government decision to close and sell Clancy Barracks, Dublin City Council expressed an interest in having the property made available for affordable and social housing. Meetings were held between my Department, the City Council and the then Department of the Environment and Local Government. The view of the City Council and the Department of the Environment and Local Government was that the optimal solution would be to sell the land on the open market rather than have it purchased by the Local Authority for housing purposes.

With regard to the valuation of Clancy Barracks, in February, 2000, the City Council informed my Department that its planning officer had indicated that a large number of buildings on the site were of architectural merit and might be required to be retained on redevelopment. The Council notified the Valuation Office of the report from its planning officer. In March, 2000, the Valuation Office valued the property at about £40 (€50) million. It was pointed out, however, that the actual price to be realised would be determined by the market and the Department was advised by the Valuation Office that, subject to professional advice, it should sell the property by tender or public auction. The Council was informed of the valuation on 14th April, 2000.

Clancy Barracks, Dublin was offered for sale by public tender in June, 2001. Two bids were received, one of which was from Dublin City Council. Both tenders were considered too low to permit acceptance and the property remained on the market. Subsequently discussions took place with officials of the then Department of the Environment and Local Government and Dublin City Council. In the event, Dublin City Council did not proceed to acquire the property on the basis that it was considered that the public interest would be best served from a housing and planning perspective by selling the property on the open market rather than have it purchased by the Local Authority.