andMr. T. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Local Government on what grounds he did override the decision of the Limerick Corporation in granting a licence for the building of a commercial ballroom at Ennis Road, Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building of Limerick Ballroom.
91.
The question of the construction of a building intended for use as a ballroom at Ennis Road, Limerick, came before me by way of appeal under the Town and Regional Planning Acts.
The planning authority had given five reasons for their refusal of permission for the erection of the building. Four of these reasons related to structural matters including sound transmission, drainage, traffic circulation in the forecourt of the building and surfacing of the car park. The fifth reason related to the present inadequacy of public lighting in the area.
It was indicated by the appellant's architect that his client was prepared to meet the four requirements of the planning authority which related to matters within the control of the appellant.
I made an Order granting permission for the construction of the building subject to certain conditions, including conditions that the forecourt and the car park be provided with adequate lighting and that the structure be so constructed so as to minimise sound transmission to the outside of the building.
Would the Minister not consider that a commercial ballroom on the public road between Limerick City and Shannon Airport, a road which carries a 24-hour traffic service, needs public lighting? The Minister has told us the appellant complied with four of the objections raised, but he has not complied with the most important condition of all, namely, the provision of public lighting on the main road in the area in which this ballroom is being built.
Public lighting is not a matter to be initiated by me or my Department. The local authority could initiate a public lighting scheme in the area, if they so desired.
Public lighting is an important consideration from the point of view of safety.
Obviously we cannot go into all this now.
Is the Minister prepared to overlook the most important condition, the provision of public lighting in the vicinity of this commercial ballroom?