Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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640. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the background to the way a certain site (details supplied) in County Cork came into the ownership of Fáilte Ireland; if the organisation will engage with a certain local group which is interested in purchasing or leasing it and using it for a purpose that would involve attracting additional tourists to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47847/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the role of Fáilte Ireland is to support the tourism industry and work to sustain Ireland as a high-quality and competitive tourism destination.  In that context the operation of tourism attractions is not a core function of the Agency nor is the leasing of facilities or land to third parties and it has in recent years been seeking to rationalise its property portfolio.    

I understand that the property in question came into the ownership of Fáilte Ireland following its amalgamation with the South-West Regional Tourism Authority, which had been leasing the premises to an independent third party organisation since the 1970s.  In 2013, however, this organisation surrendered its lease back to Fáilte Ireland although it had not yet run full-term.  This afforded Fáilte Ireland the opportunity to sell the property and rationalise its portfolio, thereby reducing operating costs and generating capital funds.

The specifics of this process are operational matters for the board and management of Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's Question to them for further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.