John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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183. To ask the Minister for Finance if the land contained in the Old Bray Golf Club planned to be rezoned as a town centre by a company (details supplied), remains in the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/16]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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184. To ask the Minister for Finance if National Asset Management Agency is planning to sell or develop the site at Old Bray Golf Club in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21279/16]

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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185. To ask the Minister for Finance if the National Asset Management Agency has the power to seek the rezoning of the land at the Old Bray Golf Club in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 183 to 185, inclusive, together.

NAMA is bound by both statutory and contractual obligations of confidentiality. Neither NAMA nor I can comment on individual cases. Specifically, NAMA is, as the Deputy may be aware, subject to similar requirements as banks and other lenders that do not allow them to disclose information relating to individual debtors or information relating to properties that have been pledged as security for NAMA loans. 

More generally, NAMA has acquired loans and is not the owner of properties.  The Agency's role is that of a secured lender. I am advised by NAMA that properties which have been pledged as security for NAMA loans continue to be managed by their existing owners or, in the case of enforcement, on their behalf by duly appointed receivers/administrators.   

I am further advised that the existing owners or receivers/administrators are responsible for the efficient management of properties securing NAMA's loans.  This includes, where relevant, the management of all planning and development processes including planning applications and site-specific submissions to planning authorities.

As secured lender, NAMA does not in any way supplant the functions and obligations of planning authorities.  If NAMA makes a submission to a formal planning procedure, such as a statutory review of a County Development Plan, it does so on the same basis to any other party.  No specific allowance or provisions apply to the review of NAMA submissions different than those that apply to any other party, including members of the public. 

By reference to Section 12(8) of the Act, NAMA, in performing its functions in accordance with the NAMA Act, must have regard to proper planning and sustainable development as expressed in Government policy and in any guidelines and development plans (within the meaning of the Planning & Development Act), when undertaking any activity relevant to the planning process such as observing on a planning application or making a submission to a statutory development plan review.