asked the Minister for Local Government whether any alterations in the regulations governing the submission to him by the Dublin Corporation of housing plans for sanction have been made within the past 12 months and, if not, whether the application of such regulations by his Department is similar now to the practice followed in 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Housing Plans.
The procedure to be followed by local authorities in submitting proposals for the development of housing sites was set out in the Department's circular letter N.2/1951 of 19th January, 1951. No change has been made in the procedure prescribed by that circular.
I should like to point out that, prior to that letter, it was the practice to allow Dublin Corporation to go in and develop sites for housing after only sketch plans had been submitted to the Department of Local Government. Now, as a result of these amended regulations referred to and the new instructions which we have received from the Department of Local Government, it is necessary that very detailed plans not only of the site but of the contiguous areas, including roads, shops and so forth, must be submitted for inspection before the Dublin Corporation are allowed to proceed with the work. I brought this matter to the attention of the Minister by way of supplementary question last October, and I pointed out that that procedure would result in considerable delay in carrying out the building programme.
Is the Minister aware that there has been a very definite slowing down in the house-building industry on the fringe of Dublin City and that it is most unfair to delay decisions on projects contemplated by the Dublin Corporation?
Mr. Byrne
The work is still being held up.
Are these questions relevant, a Cheann Comhairle?