asked the Minister for Local Government whether the proposed layout plans for the new housing area in Ballymun, Dublin, are available for inspection by (a) members of the public, (b) public representatives, or (c) interested bodies such as churches, etc., who might be expected to erect places of worship, schools, or other amenities in the area; and, if not, when it is expected that such plans will be available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballymun Housing Scheme.
14.
The layout plan which accompanied the outline application to Dublin County Council for planning permission in respect of the Ballymun housing project is available for public inspection at the offices of the county council, in accordance with the regulations made under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, governing such applications. I understand also that a copy of the layout plan may be seen in the planning department of Dublin Corporation. It is to be expected that the final layout plan, incorporating any adjustments that may be decided on, will be similarly available for public inspection in due course.
The outline proposals as approved by Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council covered provisional land reservations for communal facilities, including church and schools, and for the proposed new town centre, the planning of which is at present in hands.
Can the Minister say if there have been consultations, or at what stage the consultations are, with representatives of the Churches in regard to the building of churches?
I am rather inclined to think there were, whether formal or otherwise. Certain contacts have already been made, but how far or in what detail I do not really know.
15.
asked the Minister for Local Government the method adopted for the placing of the contract for the Ballymun Housing Scheme; and if there is any foundation for the complaints made by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions in this matter.
The contract was negotiated by me with a consortium which was selected from a wide range of proposals received in response to public advertisement. In fulfilment of a prior undertaking given by me, I consulted with the Dublin Building Trades Group before the contract was signed and was formally advised by the group of their full co-operation in the project. No objection was raised with me about the method adopted of placing the contract.
The Dublin Council of Trade Unions recently expressed their interest in certain aspects of the implementation of the contract. I informed them in reply that the Irish-registered consortium is responsible for the planning, design and construction of the estate and I understand that the council has since pursued its interest with the consortium.
So, in fact, the trade union movement were not trying to be nasty to the Minister, as suggested in the question.
I did not hear that.