Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on Fáilte Ireland disposing of a premises of integral importance to tourism in the west Cork region (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to and his further views on the comprehensive proposals put forward by an organisation to his Department to utilise the premises; the expenditure incurred by the State when originally purchasing-acquiring the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1942/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The acquisition and disposal of the property or consideration of proposals for alternative use of the premises are operational matters for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

However for the information of the Deputy, 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.

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.  Neither the operation of tourism attractions nor the leasing of facilities or land to third parties are core functions of the Agency and it has in recent years been seeking to rationalise its property portfolio. The breaking of the lease afforded Fáilte Ireland the opportunity to sell the property and rationalise its portfolio, thereby generating capital funds and reducing operating costs.

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.