52 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a prime property adjacent to the Garda station in Kilmacthomas, County Waterford, was allowed to be sold without any initiative being taken by his Department or the Board of Works for the provision of a badly needed new garda station in Kilmachtomas; and if he will ensure that a more dynamic approach is adopted on the matter. [13097/97]

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland negotiated with the agent handling the sale of the property and reached agreement, subject to contract, on terms for its purchase. The Chief State Solicitor, in the course of investigating the title, raised certain pre-contract queries on the vendor's title to the property and informed the vendor's solicitor of other standard requirements where the State is purchasing property. The vendor's solicitors did not respond to the queries but stated that their client had decided not to proceed with the sale.

The agent who was dealing with the property was advised that the Commissioners of Public works are still interested in the possibility of acquiring it. He indicated that it is no longer for sale. The commissioners are actively pursuing the provision of a new Garda station at Kilmacthomas.