asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that the Cork County Council has been refused sanction for the acquisition of a proposed building site at Barnahaly, Carrigaline, County Cork; furthermore, if he is aware that the county council architect recommended the acquisition of this particular site in his report; and, if so, if he will have investigations made with a view to having the necessary sanction accorded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Building Site.
The site in question was, by Order made by the Minister on the 3rd February, 1954, excluded from the council's Compulsory Purchase Order. I am not empowered to vary or amend the terms of that Order. If the local authority's technical officers can certify that this site is the most suitable location for the scheme and if it can be acquired by agreement, I am prepared to give the matter further consideration.
Is the Minister prepared to examine closely the file of his predecessor to ascertain why the acquisition of this particular site was refused sanction? Is the Minister further aware that, as already stated by the Cork County Council, this site is being acquired by agreement.
As I have already informed the Deputy, I am not empowered to vary or amend the terms of the Order made by my predecessor but if the site is now being acquired by agreement I am prepared to give the matter further consideration. I have read the original reply given by my predecessor and I have nothing further to add to that.
May I ask the Minister if he is prepared not alone to read the reply given by his predecessor but also to examine closely the fuller reports in the case made to his predecessor and then say why he refused sanction?
That is a separate question.