asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has received a request from Monaghan Urban Council for approval to purchase new dumping sites in Strahan townland for the town; if so, when he received it; and when his sanction will be forthcoming.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Monaghan Dumping Sites.
44.
There is no application before my Department for approval to the purchase of a site at Strahan, County Monaghan, for use as a dump by Monaghan Urban District Council. I am, however, aware that the council proposed to use portion of an old railway cutting at Strahan for this purpose and that Monaghan County Council, as planning authority for the area in which the site is located, decided on 15th June, 1967, to grant permission for this development. An appeal against this decision was submitted to me by 12 residents on 22nd June, 1967.
I have been advised that the operation of the proposed dump could seriously injure the amenities of the cottage of one of the appellants which is very close to the site. The cottage is a county council vested cottage and I understand that the county council are considering whether they could regain possession of it. A decision on the appeal has been deferred pending clarification of the position regarding the cottage and Monaghan Urban District Council have been so informed.
The Deputy is aware of the great inconvenience that is being caused to a considerable housing estate in the area by the existing dumping facilities for the urban district council. Could the Minister consider intervening in any way to expedite the acquisition of this cottage by urging the provision of alternative accommodation for its occupants so that the general dumping problem could be dealt with on the Strahan site which is very convenient for all except this particular occupant?
I think the county council are doing everything they can to recover possession of this cottage. It is a fact that the creation of a dump beside the cottage would interfere with the amenities of the house. It would seem to me therefore that the only decision I could give in present circumstances would be to uphold the appeal. In view of the fact that there is a possibility of the cottage being acquired, I do not like doing that.
Is there anything in the Minister's power by which he could facilitate the county council in acquiring the cottage by making any special provision for the provision by the county council of alternative accommodation for the occupants in order to solve the problem?
If there is any special request to me, I will do everything I possibly can to facilitate the council.
I am much obliged to the Minister.