New Council to sell off unused land

At a meeting of Council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Committee last Tuesday night, members agreed to authorise the team at a cost of £50,000.

Richard Baker, Council’s Corporate Director of Leisure and Development Services said that the money would be used for external costs for valuation and sales, and legal fees connected with any sales. He added: “Once the first asset is disposed of, the money will be recouped.”

Sinn Fein councillor Philip McGuigan welcomed the set up. “This can only have a positive benefit,” said the Dunloy councillor. However, he questioned whether or not any decisions to sell off land or property would come before Council. In reply, the lead officer, Jonathan Grey said that any decision would come back before Council. Describing the team as ‘an excellent idea’, SDLP Alderman Maura Hickey questioned how quickly the team would be reporting back to Council. Mr Grey set a time scale of three to six months. “There are some obvious ones, as the process goes on it may take more time,” he said.