No winners in shouting match across Laois County Council chamber

Laois county council management was asked by Independent councillor Aisling Moran for a valuation of land or property to be made available to councillors each time either is being sold or bought.

“We need to know that public money is being looked after properly and in the interest of transparency. We need to know that there is transparency. I want an accountable person to be involved. I want a piece of paper that shows this, as I’ve been calling for this for the past five years.

"Plots of land or property that are being bought or sold that there is a valuation there to prove it on a section 1A3 of the Land and Conveyancing Reform Act. There shouldn’t be an issue.” Simon Walton, acting CEO of Laois County Council, said that the local authority deals with 1a3s every month and that there are certain instances where the council is purchasing or selling land that it is appropriate that an independent valuation is secured from an expert valuer. At all times, when it is appropriate, that is the pathway that we follow.

“There are other circumstances, including land which is registered to the council which may no longer be of use to the council (rectification of title), so those ones for €300 or whatever represent a nominal charge with a legal rectification of title. I can assure you that every month I scrutinise these (valuations) before I come in here (monthly meeting), to ensure that accountability and transparency is to the fore before they go in front of elected representatives.

“In the five years that I’ve been here, I don’t think there’s been an issue with one of the 1a3s approved by this council. There are certain transactions that need valuations. If you (cllr Moran) want to come in two weeks before the monthly meetings, then you can come in here and see the valuations, you will be shown them.” Mr Walton pointed out that he refuted in the strongest possible terms, if there was an inference that the dealings of the council were not transparent or accountable.

Independent councillor Ollie Clooney pointed out that he has full confidence in the manner in which the sale or purchase of land or property is being carried out by the council.