asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will expedite the granting of a lease of portion of the foreshore applied for by the Clonakilty Urban District Council for the purpose of creating a dump in view of the urgent necessity for such and the fact that the future user is to be a children's park.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lease to Clonakilty Urban District Council.
An application was made on 5th July by the Clonakilty Urban District Council for a lease of certain areas of State foreshore for the purpose of regulating the dumping of waste. Leases of State foreshore may be granted by the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in his opinion, it is in the public interest to do so. It is the practice to grant leases only for useful works in immediate contemplation.
The urban district council were asked, on 25th July, for information as to the time they would require to complete the reclamation and their plans for the use of the area when reclaimed. No reply having been received, reminders were issued on 30th August and 3rd October but this information, which is necessary for the further consideration of the application, has not yet been received.
Would the Minister undertake that on receipt of such information there would be no undue delay about the completion of the granting of the lease?
On receipt of the information there will be no delay in deciding on the application, but I have a strong objection to leasing State foreshore for use as refuse dumps.
In view of the future user, does the Minister not think it a useful purpose?
That depends on the replies I get.