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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Jan 1964

Vol. 207 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - London Premises for State and Semi-State Bodies.

36.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the Government have given further consideration to the desirability of acquiring suitable premises and accommodation in London in which all State and semi-State bodies, such as the Department of External Affairs, Bord Fáilte, Córas Tráchtála and Aer Lingus, would be under one roof and more easily accessible and convenient to the public for commercial, tourist and cultural activities.

So far, it has not been possible to obtain suitable premises, but inquiries continue to be made by Córas Tráchtála with a view to securing premises suitable for the purpose.

In view of the fact that this matter of an Irish house in London was first raised in this House in 1954 and was repeated in a number of questions since, surely the Minister will agree that the inquiries which he has referred to should at least have produced some results with regard to the locating of a suitable site or premises which might become available for this desirable purpose?

The inquiries did produce what appeared to be a very desirable result but unfortunately, the development of the property in which Córas Tráchtála were interested in London came up against what I gather are insurmountable town planning objections. That is a matter outside their control altogether.

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