Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will intervene in a dispute (details supplied), the resolution of which would allow a group to access a facility that was purpose built two years ago in view of the poor facilities it has to use at the present time. [47407/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Transport if the legal and contractual matters preventing a group (details supplied) in County Mayo from moving into a facility have been resolved; his views on the legal and contractual difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47693/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Transport when the construction phase of a facility (details supplied) in County Mayo was completed; when the facility was first occupied and by whom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47694/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 175, 182 and 183 together.

The building of the Achill Coast Guard and Fire Brigade Rescue Centre was a joint venture between the Irish Coast Guard and Mayo County Council. The Department of Transport agreed to pay 48% of the total cost, which included the purchase of the site, on a 999-year lease, and the remaining 52% was paid for by the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. The construction of this building was completed in Spring 2008. The Fire Brigade took possession of their section of the building shortly after completion. Due to legal and contractual matters, the Coast Guard has not been permitted to take possession of their section of the building.

The principal issues include the registration of common areas, property management of the building and differences in the planning drawings. The Chief State Solicitor's Office is acting on behalf of my Department and the clear advice received is that without both Mayo County Council and my Department being tenants in common that the Coast Guard will be exposed to ongoing unquantifiable costs over the life of the lease and continual dispute resolution. I believe this is not in the interests of the Coast Guard. My Department has recently confirmed to Mayo County Council that it is willing to pay 50% of the balance owed to allow for a caretaker's agreement which will provide access rights to the volunteers whilst legal difficulties are concluded. The Director of the Coast Guard and the Director of Services for Mayo County Council are currently dealing directly on the matter and will meet this week.