asked the Minister for Local Government if it is correct that Dublin Corporation have given planning permission for the erection of factories on Sandymount Strand; and whether he is in agreement with this proposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sandymount Strand Development.
10.
I am informed by Dublin Corporation that outline permission was granted on 24th March last for a ready-mixed concrete plant on a site of reclaimed land south of the Ringsend Power Station. The land concerned is the property of the Dublin Port and Docks Board. Detailed plans in respect of this project were lodged with the corporation for approval on 12th instant but a decision has not yet been made on this application. In view of my appellate functions under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, I do not wish to comment on the project.
No planning permission has been given by Dublin Corporation for the erection of factories on Sandymount Strand as it exists today. I am aware that tentative plans have been prepared by the Port and Docks Board for development in the port area and I understand that the corporation have proposed to the Board that discussions be arranged when a detailed description of the proposed development is available.
Can the Minister say if that permission will be given by the City Manager or by the members of the Corporation—who will make the decision?
It will be given in the normal way. It will not be any different from any other permission.
I want the Minister to tell me——
The Deputy wants to know whether permissions are given by the elected members or by the manager—the manager, of course.
Will the members be consulted?
The normal practice will be followed. In fact, they go through a lot of these. I am not fully aware of what their practice is, but from reading the papers, I understand that their Streets Committee, or some such committee as that, at times, discuss various development matters.
The Minister has a fair idea of what goes on in Dublin Corporation.
Sometimes.
11.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received any applications for permission to undertake commercial or industrial development on the reclaimed land at Irishtown, Dublin; and, if so, when his decision will be made known.
The grant or refusal of planning permission for the carrying out of any development on this land is a matter in the first instance for Dublin Corporation. The corporation's decisions are subject to appeal to me but there are no appeals before me relating to commercial or industrial development on the land in question.
12.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has received proposals from (a) Dublin Corporation or (b) Dublin Port and Docks Board regarding infilling and industrial or other development of the Sandymount Strand area; if so, if he will give details of such proposals; and whether they have as yet been considered in connection with the preparation of a plan for the area under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.
I have not received such proposals. Development proposals of the Dublin Port and Docks Board would come to my notice in the planning context only. In this regard Dublin Corporation as the planning authority are the body responsible in the first instance for exercising planning control and for the preparation of a development plan incorporating a land use policy for the city, including the area in question, in accordance with the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.
My functions would include the determination of such appeals as may arise under the Act against decisions of the planning authority. I am also empowered where I see fit, to require variations to be made in development plans. I have asked the planning consultant engaged by me in the Dublin region to advise me in this matter with particular reference to the amenity and recreational aspects of land use policy in the area.