Finance Minister holds key to Cartron play area
CARTRON families have a long road ahead of them in their campaign to develop a new playground for children of the estate - but Finance Minister Michael Noonan could literally hold the key.
Councillor Gino O’Boyle asked the Council to engage with a Residents Group who are aiming to develop the new play facilities.
“Potential funding is available but is subject to the Residents Group holding an interest in the site of the play facilities,” Cllr O’Boyle told the meeting this month.
“It seems the original developer holds a head lease on some areas of the estate, including the site of the proposed play facilities,” said Cllr O’Boyle.
In response, Director of Services Bartley Gavin said that part of the Cartron estate was developed by a company called Stapolin Investments Ltd. The company held all of the land and at the beginning of the development the houses were sold off by way of 999 year leases. The rest of the land ( roads and green areas) remained on the folio in the name of the compa- ny. The Stapolin Company was later dissolved.
Mr Gavin said the assets of a company which has been struck off vest in the Minster for Finance and the Minister has power to waive his rights in favour of another party.
“There is an argument that the ownership of this land should pass to the Council given that it is used and needed by the residents to enjoy the amenity of their area of residence,” he said.
He said they would have to ask the Minister to waive his rights in the property at Cartron in favour of Sligo County Council.
“My experience in seeking Minister’s consents in relation to land is that it can take some time,” he said.
Cllr O’Boyle then proposed writing to the Minister.