Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made regarding the sale of Industrial Development Authority lands in south Kildare; if she or any State agencies within the remit of her Department are considering initiatives regarding the use of such lands that will generate employment opportunities in the areas; if a public private partnership is an acceptable way forward for the development of the lands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47286/09]

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.

As I stated previously, 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 in a position to purchase IDA sites in Athy, Castledermot or Monasterevin in South Kildare. There is no IDA land available in Kildare town. 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.