Monday 16 March 2009

Gormley wants independent valuations in state land deals

The minister will tell local authority managers that only in exceptional, justified circumstances should valuation reports not be obtained. ‘‘Having the benefit of considering professional, independent valuation reports should prove to be of assistance to councillors and help ensure best practice and transparency,” said the Green Party leader. ‘‘It also assures the public all efforts are made to maximise the price for land.”

The move was welcomed by Vincent P Martin, a Green Party councillor in Monaghan, in dispute with Monaghan County Council over procedures adopted for the sale of two local sites by private treaty. Martin had raised questions with the council about the sale of industrial and commercial sites at the Convent Lands in Carrickmacross.

Sunday Business Post

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