asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the present regulation for bidding house-building within a radius of two miles of Collinstown Airport constitutes a serious obstacle to the solution of the working-class housing problem in the areas of Cloghran, Santry, Boot and adjacent districts; and, if so, whether he will indicate that he is prepared to relax this public safety regulation sufficiently so as to allow for the erection by Dublin County Council of groups of labourers' cottages which are urgently needed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Housing Regulation.
I am not aware that the position has been correctly stated by the Deputy. The authority whose approval is required for building plans in County Dublin is the county planning officer appointed under the Town and Regional Planning Act, 1934. This officer consults my Department about any proposals for building in the vicinity of the Dublin Airport at Collinstown, to ensure that no building will be permitted which would cause an obstruction to air operations. There was consultation recently about a proposal to erect cottages near the airport, but no objection was raised in that case. This is the only case of the kind in the last two years of which I have any knowledge.
May I take it that there are not in existence any regulations of the type referred to?
I did not say that. I stated that it is a matter for the town planning officer. There are certain understandings in the matter. If the Dublin County Council contemplate building cottages in that area, they consult the officers in my Department. That is in the interests of the air operations and in the interests of the people who may ultimately have to live in the area.
There are no definite regulations?
No.