asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is considering making an Order under Section 41 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1936, declaring his intention to acquire compulsorily lands in County Dublin in connection with the development of Dublin Airport, Collinstown, and if in the event of such a step being taken he will ensure that the interests of such cottagers and others as may be affected will be safeguarded to the extent of providing adequate alternative housing accommodation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Airport Development—Safeguarding Householders.
Certain lands in the vicinity of Dublin Airport are being acquired to provide for the extension and development of the airport and appropriate notices were sent to the persons concerned on the 14th May, 1949. Every possible regard will be had to the interests of the cottagers and others who may be affected, but I can accept no responsibility for the provision of alternative accommodation where such accommodation may be needed.
Will the Minister represent to the local authority in the area the prior claim for the re-housing of displaced cottagers?
As far as I understand no county council cottages will be affected, at least for a considerable time. Under the acquisition of the 400 acres, about five farmers and four privately owned cottages are affected. At a much later stage there is a possibility that three or four county council cottages may be affected, but we can deal with those if and when displacement takes place.