asked the Minister for Local Government if he has information on the progress made by local authorities in completing their development plans; whether satisfactory progress has been made by Dublin Corporation; and whether his Department will consider the secondment of suitable planning personnel to any local authority at present in difficulty in meeting the deadline set by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Development Plans.
21.
Mr. O'Leary
I have had under close review the progress of planning authorities towards making their development plans under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, and I am satisfied that, in general, good progress is being made. There are, however, a number of areas in which a much intensified effort will be needed in the months ahead to meet the statutory deadline of 1st October, 1967, for the making of the plans. I am arranging to remind all planning authorities of their responsibilities in this regard and of the programme which they will need to observe to ensure compliance with the prescribed procedures, including publicising of draft plans and consideration of public representations.
Discussions have been taking place between officers of my Department and of the planning authorities for Dublin city and county on progress with the development plan programme in those areas. There are important development sectors—for example, roads—in which specialist studies are in hands in Dublin and elsewhere, and it may not be possible to incorporate full conclusions relating to these sectors in the first plans. The current discussions include consideration of the manner in which this situation will be met in the initial plans, which must provide for the development needs of the years immediately ahead and will be subject to review in the light of new information and new needs as part of the continuing planning process. I hope to be in a position to tender further detailed technical advice when the report of the Dublin region planning consultant whom I have appointed becomes available at the end of December.
Planning authorities have had the benefit of a wide programme of central assistance and advice in overcoming their difficulties—mainly the scarcity of qualified planners—and in making progress with their plans. This programme will be continued and intensified in the coming months with detailed advice and model plans being made available. I believe that in this way planning authorities will draw on the resources of the Department to the best and widest effect consistent with full observance of their own statutory responsibilities and functions in the matter.
Mr. O'Leary
Can the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that he is confident that Dublin Corporation will be bringing forward a comprehensive plan in time for the Department's deadline and that they will have the personnel to carry it out?
There might be some reservations in regard to roads.
Mr. O'Leary
In regard to building projects, the Parliamentary Secretary is quite confident that their plans will be completed in time? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a great deal of unease about Dublin Corporation's plans for the city?
I have no information to suggest that they will not be available on time.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Parliamentary Secretary, through his Department, keeping, if not a weekly check, a monthly check to see that the plans are being brought forward?
The Minister was in constant touch with all planning authorities, not only with Dublin Corporation.