Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 265: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8179/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Responsibility for the management of Howth Harbour transferred to the Minister for the Marine in 1989 with Howth being designated a Fishery Harbour Centre with effect from 1 January 1990. At that date all property within the boundary of the Fishery Harbour Centre was transferred to the Minister. There were a number of sitting tenants in place at that time and the Department took over the administration of their lease agreements.

There are 62 properties/sites in the Fishery Harbour Centre which are considered suitable for tenant occupancy, of which 45 are currently let under lease/licence to private tenants and 14 are leased/licensed to other state agencies. The remaining 3 sites are currently vacant. The duration of lease and the rent payable varies according to the terms of the individual lease. At the inception of a lease and at the time of each rent review (as set out in the terms of the lease) the Open Market Value of each premises is decided by a qualified valuer.

It is the current policy of my Department that any property available for rent is advertised in accordance with the public procurement guidelines. My Department is not in a position to disclose confidential details of possible or ongoing discussions with third parties relating to commercial transactions.