asked the Minister for Local Government whether planning permission was granted in respect of a steel works in a residential area of Dublin (details supplied); if so, when and by whom; and, if not, when and by whom action will be taken to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Steel Works.
23.
I am informed that the use of these premises as an ironworks was established before the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, came into operation on 1st October, 1964. Consequently planning permission for the establishment of the use was not required and I understand that the planning authority have been advised that the use cannot be regarded as an unauthorised one.
It would be open to the planning authority to serve a notice under section 37 of the 1963 Act requiring the use to be discontinued. An appeal would lie to me against such a notice. If no appeal were lodged or any such appeal were rejected, the authority would be liable for payment of compensation arising from the discontinuance of the use or they might be required to purchase the site. In fact, the planning authority has informed me that they do not consider action under section 37 to be expedient in this case and I have no power to direct them to take such action.
I asked the authority in July, 1967, to investigate the matter thoroughly to see whether any alleviation of the present unsatisfactory position could be achieved. In particular I asked them to consider whether a suitable alternative site for the ironworks could be found. Discussions with the owner ensued but so far no alternative site regarded as satisfactory by the planning authority has been selected.
Is the suggestion in the Minister's reply that there should be an obligation on the local authority to secure an alternative site for this works? That is my first question, and my second one is: is the Minister aware that additional building is going on at this premises at present?
In regard to the first question, I am not suggesting that there is any obligation on the planning authority to do so. I suggested to the planning authority that it might help to alleviate the difficulties under which the residents in the area are existing if they could indicate a suitable alternative site to which this iron works could move since the planning authority are not prepared to serve notice requiring the discontinuance of the user. What was the second question?
Is the Minister aware that additional building is going on there?
I am not, but if there is, that is a matter for the planning authority.
Is the Minister aware that he was well advised?
This is the planning authority.
I know, but the particular body was well advised.