Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Finance the situation regarding the former Customs and Excise premises at Newry Road, Dundalk; the involvement by the Office of Public Works in the ownership or leasing of this premises; if they are responsible for public liability on this site; if he will outline on an individual basis each item of expenditure since May 2001 incurred by the OPW in relation to this site; the present security arrangements in relation to this site and the cost of same; the precise arrangements the OPW made or are making to ensure the safe and proper removal and disposal of all asbestos materials in this building complex including the asbestos sheeting on the roof and along the outer walls; the steps being taken to guarantee full compliance with current EU standards and regulations in this matter; if they are ensuring that there can be no unauthorised occupation or squatting in this building complex and that the site and buildings have not and cannot be used for any illegal activities or practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7010/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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Approximately two thirds of the Newry Road site is State owned and a long term lease is held on the remainder. The State carries the risk for Public Liability on the entire site. Details requested on expenditure since May 2001 are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy separately, at the earliest opportunity. It is planned to remove all the buildings from the site shortly and this will be done in a safe manner and in compliance with relevant EU regulations. The expectation is that the removal of the buildings will significantly reduce the unauthorised activities on the site. The question of further security measures is being assessed at present. A design team have been appointed for the redevelopment of the site into a large Driving Test Centre facility with off road manoeuvring compound. A full planning application is being prepared for submission to the Local Authority.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Finance the status of a site purchase (details supplied); if there is a deadline for the signing of contracts; if the landowners or their agents have raised queries regarding the contract documents; if so, when; the date such queries were responded to; if there are outstanding queries with the Office of Public Works from the landowners or their representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7032/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education and Science in the acquisition of sites for schools. Agreement was negotiated subject to contract, for the acquisition of a site for the proposed Community School at the end of November, 2006. The Commissioners are currently awaiting Contracts for Sale from the Vendors. No queries have been raised by the Landowners or their Representatives regarding contract documents or any other business.