TD calls on state to buy Farnham Estate
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has renewed the call for the
State to purchase the Farnham Estate in Cavan. The Cavan/Monaghan
TD made his statement as the 6 September deadline for offers of
interest approached.
In July, when the historic house and 1,200 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.
``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,'' Ó caoláin told An Phoblacht. ``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.''