Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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730. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the information his Department holds on the proposed development of a sustainable commercial development at the townlands of Aghagad, Aghagowner, Bracklin, Carrowkeel, Cornaveagh, Creemully, Aghagad Beg, Derryhippoo and Leam, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9739/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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As a local public representative for Roscommon I was made aware of a public meeting that took place on 20 February last in regard to a potential development referred to by the Deputy. This was on foot of a recent advertisement by Coillte in the local media. I subsequently attended the public meeting along with several other public representatives.

I am advised by Coillte that due to the nature and extent of the Coillte estate, the company regularly receives a significant number of enquiries from a range of third parties in relation to both potential development and recreation opportunities on Coillte lands. Upon receipt of such an expression of interest, Coillte would seek expressions of interest from other parties who may have an interest in the lands in question.  It is normal practice for the company to advertise in both local and/or national media, whichever is the most appropriate.  Given the obvious commercial sensitivities around third party business plans, Coillte respects the confidentially of these engagements, until due process has been completed.

The company has further confirmed to me it has received an expression of interest in respect of the lands in question as referenced in their recent advertisement and is following standard operating procedure as outlined above. In this regard, no commitment has been made to any parties in respect of these lands. Any planning or other statutory consents that might arise in regard to any future development would be a matter for the relevant authorities. 

As this is a commercial matter for Coillte, a body that is not under the aegis of my Department, I have no further details on the matter.