asked the Minister for Local Government whether Dublin Corporation have received an application for planning permission for the redevelopment of the site of the Gaiety Theatre which would entail the demolition of the theatre; if he will state the statutory powers available to the corporation to prevent the closure of the theatre; and if, having regard to the desirability of having an adequate number of places for public entertainment and education, particularly in the nation's capital city, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Gaiety Theatre.
30.
I am informed by Dublin Corporation that on Tuesday last they received an application for outline permission for the erection of an office block on a site at 46-50 South King Street, the site of the Gaiety Theatre. If there are objections of a planning nature to the redevelopment proposed, permission may be refused by the planning authority but this would not prevent the closure or demolition of the theatre. Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, a planning authority may include in their development plan an objective for the preservation of buildings of artistic, architectural or historical interest. The demolition of buildings is not normally subject to planning control but the exemption does not apply in the case of any particular building which is the subject of a preservation objective. In the interim period prior to the making of a development plan, demolition would be subject to planning control if the planning authority by resolution declare the preservation of the building to be an objective which they propose to include in their development plan. The application of these provisions in the present case is a matter for Dublin Corporation.
Would the Minister confirm that the density of office accommodation in this area as permitted is already exceeded and, in those circumstances, is it not the present position that Dublin Corporation may not approve the addition to the office accommodation in the Stephen's Green area?
This would be a matter which, I am sure, the corporation would take into account in reaching their decision.
I hope so. We know what happened to Fitzwilliam Street. The Minister waited until the Dáil went into recess and then demolished the whole place.