asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that there are 86 applicants for 26 houses at Santry, County Dublin; and that the Dublin County Council were unable to acquire portion of a thousand acre public authority estate at Santry Court because Dublin Corporation refused to provide drainage for Santry Court; that Santry Court was subsequently sold; and that Dublin Corporation have so far refused to make part of Wilkinson's farm at Ballymun available to the council; and if he will use his good offices to promote a greater degree of co-operation between these housing authorities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Santry (Dublin) Housing.
18.
I understand from Dublin County Council that, while the exact number of applicants for housing in the Santry Scheme is not yet known, they are satisfied that it will greatly exceed the number of dwellings at present in course of construction.
I am aware that Santry Court estate was disposed of by public auction, and that the lands were subject to certain planning restrictions related to the position which then obtained in regard to the availability of sanitary services.
I am not aware that Dublin County Council have sought to have part of Wilkinson's farm at Ballymun made available to the Council or that Dublin Corporation have refused to entertain an application from the council in the matter. I understand that the City Manager is considering a number of proposals for securing better co-operation between the corporation and county council in administrative matters of common concern.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the Dublin Health Authority disposed of property they could have used for housing if they knew that the services that were shortly afterwards made available to a private concern would be available to them, and would he inquire whether Dublin County Council have been refused accommodation on the land? Is that so or not?
Our information is that there was no purchase made.
Is that definitely stated by Dublin Corporation? Is it a definite statement or just somebody's view?
We are not aware that the county council were refused accommodation.
Is it not true that Santry Court was not to be built on at all? Is it not a fact that no one can get permission to build on Santry Court because of its proximity to the airport? Does that still apply? Is it not a fact that building can be at the rate of only one house to every five acres?
There were certain restrictions.
Do not let us twist. Is it not true that a hotel comprising several hundred rooms could be built there and will be built there according to posters? Do not let us twist away.
I am not twisting away.
Is it not true that a hotel can be built on it and that Bord Fáilte are giving money towards that hotel, while private houses cannot be built on it? One cannot get permission to build a two-storey house in the area because of the proximity of the airport but certain people can build there a luxury hotel to which Bord Fáilte are to contribute £250,000.
One is owned by a foreigner and the other by a native of this country.
There is no answer.
That is the answer.