asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that Dublin Corporation have no powers to compel private owners of quarries to fill them in; and if in view of the recent tragedy in Crumlin, where a child was drowned, he will now consider granting local authorities the necessary powers (a) to compel owners to fill in quarries, or (b) to enable the local authorities to take action themselves.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Filling of Quarries in Dublin Area.
37.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this subject asked by Deputy R. Ryan yesterday.
I asked that something be done now. The word "now" is in my question. As the question refers to the need for legislation which could not come about until next year and as there is immediate danger for the next two months, I am asking the Minister to do something now. The Minister could instruct the Council to get the fencing put around these quarries.
The Deputy is making a speech.
Yes, but I want something done now. Is the Minister aware that there are no lifebuoys at these quarries and that children are still swimming at Crumlin, which is the responsibility of the Dublin County Council? In my question I said "now".
The Deputy is wrapping a speech around the question.
Yes; I ask that something be done now.
The Minister's reply yesterday informed the Deputy who put down the question that these quarries could only be approached by people who were trespassing and that the existing powers of local authorities did not permit of any effective action by them. He also stated that the possibility of giving them wider powers is being examined.
The local authority have power to compel the owners to fence the quarries and at least they should have power to see that there are lifebuoys there. They have that power. Maybe the Minister will use his good offices to see that they carry out these functions.
Is the Minister aware that the Corporation is, in fact, in negotiation with property owners around these quarries with a view to having the quarries fenced?
Yes, thanks to my motion last year. Is the Minister aware that it has taken the Corporation time enough to do it? It is a year since I put down the motion and more children can be drowned unless we act now. I emphasise the word "now".
Why did you not act earlier?
The county council controls Crumlin, where the tragedy took place last year.