Written answers

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

Arts Facilities

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael ColreavyMichael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the progress that has been made to date in securing properties under the control of the National Asset Management Agency that might be suitable for use as local arts facilities; if he will list these properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12482/12]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my replies to a number of previous Parliamentary Questions on this matter. As previously stated, I have met the chair and chief executive of NAMA in relation to the potential use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes.

As the Deputy will be aware, NAMA was set up to acquire loans from certain financial institutions and it does not own property as such. Accordingly, there is no list of properties that could be made available for use as arts facilities. In most cases, the property securing these loans is under the control of the debtor and will remain so as long as the debtor continues to meet his obligations. In the case of certain debtors, NAMA has taken enforcement action and the property securing the loans is now under the control of receivers or other insolvency agents appointed by NAMA. Engagement is ongoing with NAMA in relation to assets of interest from a cultural perspective. The re-opening of the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield is a case in point.

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