NAMA IS PAYING the University of Ulster €24,000 to carry out a study of land banks in Northern Ireland.

The university is working with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to develop a “robust and credible” study of land assets on the island of Ireland.

Details of the study were released by the Department of Finance to Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty following a parliamentary question.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said the university is undertaking the Northern Ireland Residential Development Land Bank Study with the help of Ireland’s asset recovery agency.

The aim of the research is to find “workout solutions” and assess the “financial viability” of various land masses.

‘I am advised by NAMA that it is interested in these projects in particular as the outputs of these projects can deliver inherent benefits in terms of guiding strategic decision making around NAMA’s portfolio and will aid in maximising value for the taxpayer,’ Noonan said.

He added: ‘To underpin this NAMA has agreed to be a contributor, both in monetary terms and in terms of the provision of data. The Deputy should note that all data is subject to strict confidentiality protocols.’

NAMA is also collaborating with the Department of the Environment to develop a geographic information system (GIS) planning tool, while the agency itself has commissioned a geo-mapping project.

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