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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jul 1951

Vol. 126 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Howth Main Drainage Scheme.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is in a position to state when (a) the Howth main drainage scheme will commence; (b) how much it will cost, and (c) the number of dwellings which will be serviced by it.

The manufacture of the pipes for this scheme is at present in progress. Tenders have been invited for two sections of the scheme comprising the laying of the sewer from Finglas to Malahide Road and from Malahide Road to Raheny. The latest date for submitting tenders is 1st August, 1951. When these contracts have been completed, the high-level area scheduled for early development can be drained to a temporary outfall pending the completion of the further section from Raheny to the outfall at Howth. The cost of the entire scheme was estimated by the Dublin Corporation in 1949 to be £1,535,000. It will drain an area of 12,058 acres and will be capable of servicing all the dwellings existing and to be provided in the area.

Does the Minister realise that the Howth main drainage scheme, when completed, could cater for a great area of land on the north side of the City of Dublin which would be suitable for building, and that this area is included in the Green Belt and in that portion of North County Dublin which is within 2½ miles radius of Dublin airport, within which the authorities have prohibited building? In view of the fact that this main drainage could easily cater for that area, could he have the position reviewed or re-examined with a view to having this portion of land, which will be allocated to the Green Belt and the prohibited area around the airport, considerably reduced because some of the area comes very near the present city boundary?

I was not aware of some of the facts to which the Deputy has referred, but now that he has brought them to my attention I shall take note of them and ask those responsible to advise me as to the position.

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