asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health how many pumps for the sale of motor spirit had been erected in the Saorstát up to April 1st, 1929; whether it is intended to allow an unlimited number of these unsightly machines to be erected on public thoroughfares; and whether any suggestions have been made to the local authorities that they should have regard to the desirability of a good appearance in the villages and country side when dealing with applications for the erection of pumps.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pumps for Sale of Motor Spirits.
The number of petrol pumps licensed under the Local Government Act of 1925 in the calendar year ended 31st December, 1928, the latest date to which returns have been made up, is 625.
The power of granting, refusing, withdrawing or continuing a licence for a petrol pump erected or to be erected on a public road is vested primarily in the council whose duty it is to maintain the road. There is a right of appeal to the Minister by any person aggrieved by a decision of the council. Under the Act of 1925 the council may grant a licence for such period and upon such conditions as the council may prescribe.
The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.