asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that, since his intimation that the regulation exempting demolition would be withdrawn, there has followed widespread demolition of sound houses; and whether in view of this he will consider introducing an emergency order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demolition of Houses.
19.
The reply which I gave the Deputy on 2nd November was to the effect that I was considering an amendment of the Regulations under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 to bring the demolition of certain categories of buildings, including houses, under control and that in the meanwhile the Dublin Corporation were at my request reviewing their zoning provisions so as to extend where practicable the areas zoned for residential use only. I do not accept that my reply could have the effect implied in the Deputy's question nor am I aware that widespread demolition of sound houses has, in fact, followed the reply.
I can certainly inform the Minister that the battering ram in Dublin is being used in regard to the demolition of sound houses. There is nothing to compare with this except what happened during the Land War. The situation is now getting alarming. The Minister's statement has had the effect that the demolition of perfectly sound houses has been speeded up.
I am not so aware.
Does the Minister propose to do nothing until his civil servants get around to deal with the matter?
I have told the Deputy what is being done.
Surely the Minister is aware that there is a very grave housing shortage in Dublin at the moment and that this statement has had the effect that perfectly sound houses are being knocked down by some of those people? Surely the Minister should be concerned about this?
I am also concerned that sound houses should not be knocked down. As I have said, I have no reason to believe that there is any such thing happening on a large scale.
The Minister has made statements in regard to the housing problem in other places. Despite this he does nothing as a Minister to stop this knocking down of sound houses.
The Deputy is making a statement.
The Minister is making those speeches and is doing nothing about the matter.