asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the process of law is being utilised for the purpose of delaying the acquisition of building sites sought to be acquired by local authorities, and whether it is proposed to introduce proposals for legislation to remedy this abuse; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building Sites.
Local authorities generally endeavour to obtain sites for housing by agreement, and it is only in cases where negotiations fail that recourse is had to compulsory acquisition. The procedure governing the exercise of compulsory powers is laid down in legislation and is designed to secure that the rights of property owners will be duly safeguarded. The number of cases in which appeals are made to the courts does not form a very large proportion of the total number of acquisition cases. While I favour a review of procedure which would reduce the time involved in the acquisition of land by local authorities, I would regard it as contrary to public policy that the rights of citizens to appeal to the courts in such an issue should be withdrawn or restricted. Proposals for the consolidation of the law in relation to the acquisition of land are in the course of preparation.
Is the Minister aware that in the Dublin area schemes for a substantial number of houses have in the past been held up because of the misuse of the process of law?
I am happy to be able to tell the Deputy that the number is comparatively small in relation to the general number.