asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that allotments in Sandymount which are used by families in the surrounding area have been taken over by the Pembroke Estate for speculative building purposes in spite of all attempts by Dublin Corporation to retain this badly-needed amenity for the citizens of the area; and, if so, whether he will take whatever steps are open to him to ensure that the local authority is enabled to acquire compulsorily, if necessary, these allotments from the Pembroke Estate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pembroke Estate (Dublin) Allotments.
32.
The provision of allotments and the acquisition of land therefor, either compulsorily or by agreement, are matters entirely within the discretion of the local authority in the first instance. I understand that the land at Sandymount was rented by the Dublin Corporation from the Pembroke Estate on a year to year basis and that last year the Estate terminated the arrangement. Having regard to my statutory functions in relation to the acquisition of land compulsorily by local authorities it would not be proper for me to intervene in the matter.