249. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when part of a building (details supplied) became vacant; the reason for the delay in offering it for tenancy under lease agreement by means of an open competitive process when it could be earning money for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40818/24]

My Department owns, operates and maintains the six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl, under statute.

Properties and the units within such properties which are located at the six Fishery Harbour Centres including Ros an Mhíl are, when appropriate, offered for tenancy under lease agreement by means of an open competitive tendering process, in accordance with good practice and public procurement guidelines. My Department is considering the vacant portions of the TCA building at present, with a view to tendering these areas. A previous tender, in 2012, was unsuccessful.

Such tenders are open to all interested parties and are advertised in the press and in the Harbour Master’s office and online at gov.ie - Tenders and Notices (www.gov.ie)