4 September 2001

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Ó Caoláin renews call for State purchase of Farnham Estate

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has renewed the call for the State to purchase of Farnham Estate in Cavan. The Cavan/Monaghan Deputy made his statement as the 6 September deadline for offers of interest approached.

In July when the historic house and 1200 acres went on the open market Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD wrote to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and Islands Síle de Valera urging the State to acquire Farnham in conjunction with Cavan County Council. He also wrote to Cavan County Manager Brian Johnston with the proposal. Deputy Ó Caoláin said this week:

``With 6 September as the advertised deadline for serious expressions of interest in the purchase of the Farnham Estate I am publicly renewing my call for this unique amenity to be acquired for the people. I was encouraged by the response from Cavan County Manager Brian Johnston who pointed out that while the Council did not have the resources to take on this major project they would play a `positive role' in the event of a government initiative.

``Minister de Valera has not yet responded in a substantive way and I wrote to her again on 21 August urging a positive response. With my Cavan County Council colleagues Charlie Boylan and Pauline Tully I join the growing number of voices who are calling on the government to seize the opportunity to provide a major resource for the people of this region, benefiting locals and visitors alike and building the tourism economy.'' ENDS

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