Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 185: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the Industrial Development Authority lands in Kildare south; if further meetings have taken place or are proposed with the relevant local authorities to discuss the sale of these lands; the result of such meetings; if the IDA will make such lands available for community development units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38917/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas, and it is not a matter in which the Minister of the day has any involvement.

The use to which IDA property can be put is prescribed by legislation and the disposal of property for any alternative use requires the consent of the Minister of the day. However, the agency is always available to discuss proposals regarding availability or suitability of individual buildings with local authorities, enterprise boards or community groups and I will be happy to consider any request for such consent should it be required.

I have been informed by IDA Ireland that the position in relation to IDA lands in South Kildare has not changed since my reply to the Deputy's question of 6 May last. As I stated then, Kildare County Council confirmed to IDA in January 2009 that due to the financial position facing Kildare County Council at that time the local authority was not be in a position to purchase the sites in South Kildare.

The situation will be reviewed again early next year and should the same situation remain with Kildare County Council regarding the acquisition of the lands, IDA will consider open market disposal of some or all of these lands. This will be dependent on the open market conditions prevailing at that time.