The lands and show jumping arena owned by notorious drug dealer John Gilligan have been put on sale with an asking price in the region of €500,000.
The Jessbrook Centre, near Johnstownbridge on the border between Kildare and Meath, is being sold by the Office of Public Works on behalf of the Department of Expenditure and Public reform.
It has been seized for sale following a 16-year battle that cost the State many multiples of the asking price.
The 3,500-seater Jessbrook equestrian arena is the biggest asset in the three lots being offered for sale, though has fallen into a state of disrepair.
Gilligan, who has been in prison since 1996 and is due for release in the coming months, and his wife Geraldine were planning to hold international show jumping competitions at Jessbrook.
The property is being sold in three lots. Offers will be accepted for each of the three lots and would-be buyers can also make an offer for all of the lands and buildings now being offered for sale.
While the price may climb if a number of parties made incrementally higher offers, Garda sources said the OPW would be satisfied with a price of €500,000 for the asset.
Lot 1 includes 49.55 acres of agricultural land, along with the 5,645 sq metre arena, two stable blocks and administrative building.
Lot 2 is 8.73 acres and Lot 3 is 21.13 acres of what sources described as “grazing land”.
A house immediately beside the Jessbrook Equestrian Centre is still occupied by Geraldine Gilligan and that is not being offered for sale.
The State is still trying to seize that, with the matter currently before the Supreme Court.
Auctioneer Barry McDonald of REA McDonald said there had already been “five or six” inquiries about it. REA McDonald is selling the property jointly with Lowe and Associates.
