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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Mar 1944

Vol. 93 No. 3

Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cabra Fuel Depôt.

Mr. A. Byrne

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware of the proposal by certain fuel distributors working for the board of assistance to acquire the garage situated between the private houses 58 and 60 Cabra Park, Dublin, a residential district which is over a mile away from the district of West Cabra where the fuel depôt is required; that the present tenants of the garage to be acquired are two young sons of a widow mother who is supporting a large family as a result of the business done in the garage, which is already supplying turf to close on 300 tenants in the Cabra area; and if, in view of these circumstances, and the fact that another official fuel depôt is within 200 yards of the said garage, he will consult with the board of assistance with a view to establishing the proposed depôt in a more convenient place and thus preventing the eviction of the brothers Farrell from the premises now proposed to be acquired.

I would refer the Deputy to the next question on the Order Paper, which asks whether I am aware of the need for a fuel depôt in Cabra. I am aware that the need exists, and I am also aware that the Commissioners for the Dublin Board of Assistance took every step possible to acquire suitable depôts in all parts of the city for the administration of their fuel scheme, and having regard to the extent of the problem the system of distribution which they have organised has worked very successfully. In the Cabra area, however, very great difficulty was experienced in securing suitable premises. Finally, as a last resort, a depôt at the rere of 28 Norfolk Road was rented. The use of these premises was objected to by a firm of solicitors on behalf of local residents. The premises are altogether unsuitable and the commissioners propose to acquire premises adjoining Cloyne House in the vicinity. These premises consist of a large yard, outhouses and sheds therein which are at present used for the stabling of a horse and dray. I understand that the yard has not been used hitherto as a store for the disposal of turf. Originally they were offered voluntarily for use as a fuel depôt, but the offer was later withdrawn. It was, therefore, necessary for the commissioners to seek compulsory powers to acquire them. The firm of solicitors which objected to the use of the Norfolk Road depôt also objected to the proposed depôt at Cloyne House. If all these objections were yielded to the area would be left without a fuel depôt. As the objections are to the use of both premises, the commissioners propose with a view to providing the best available facilities for beneficiaries under the scheme to acquire the more suitable premises at Cloyne House. At Norfolk Road depôt no cover could be provided for the applicants and the residents were inconvenienced by the congestion in the laneway behind the houses at Norfolk Road and Cabra Park as it was frequently blocked completely when fuel was being delivered to or distributed from the depôt. The proposed new depôt will be a distinct improvement. Shelter is available and traffic congestion in the neighbourhood will be considerably reduced.

Mr. A. Byrne

The Minister has not answered the last part of my question in which I asked if he was aware that the two sons of a widow, who is rearing a large family out of the proceeds of the business carried on in the premises about to be acquired, are about to be evicted. The Minister must be aware that there are many more suitable sites available in the area for a depôt which, if acquired, would not cause the eviction of anybody. The two sons of this widow are already engaged in the fuel business.

This district was very exhaustively surveyed not merely by the officers of the commissioners administering the affairs of the Dublin Board of Assistance but by the officials of my Department, and they have reported that there is no other suitable site available for a fuel depôt in Cabra.

Mr. A. Byrne

There is a site on the railway siding. Railway wagons could unload very valuable timber blocks into that area. That would not involve any cartage at all. I must appeal to the Minister to see that these boys are not evicted from this holding in which they are earning their living.

The holding is only used to stable a horse and dray.

Mr. A. Byrne

The Minister may not be aware of the full facts. The taking of these premises will mean putting a family of nine on the roadside.

This area, as I have said, was very exhaustively examined before it was decided to take the premises. I am told that the only use which is being made of the premises at present is to stable a horse and dray in them.

Mr. A. Byrne

Which is delivering turf to 300 people in the area. Is the Minister aware of that?

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware of the need for a fuel depôt in Cabra, where there are several suitable sites, and if he will represent accordingly to the Commissioners for the Dublin Board of Assistance.

I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I have given to the previous question. It explains very fully the position regarding the need for a depôt in Cabra and makes it clear that the Commissioners for the Board of Assistance are taking all possible steps to facilitate the beneficiaries under the scheme in that area.

Is the Minister aware that the depôt which the board of assistance are proposing to establish is a good mile away, and, in some instances, a mile-and-a-half, from the district it is intended to serve—West Cabra—and, furthermore, is he aware that persons going to and from Cabra Park will have not only a long walk but a climb as well?

I am advised that there is no part of the area which it is proposed to serve by this depôt further than one mile from it.

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