asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals, if any, there are for the provision of a playground with appropriate equipment for the new Ballymun housing complex, Dublin; and when it is proposed to make these facilities available.
43.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballymun (Dublin) Facilities.
42.
asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals, if any, there are for the provision of special centres for infant groups at the new housing complex at Ballymun, Dublin; and when it is proposed to make these available.
44.
asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals, if any, there are for the provision of pavilions and toilet facilities for (a) adults and (b) children in the new housing complex at Ballymun, Dublin; and when it is proposed to make them available.
45.
asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to provide a day nursing centre at the new housing complex at Ballymun, Dublin.
46.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether there are any proposals for the provision of a swimming pool at Ballymun, Dublin.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 together.
Provision of the facilities referred to is a matter for the local authority to consider and decide on in the first instance, having regard to their functions and the functions and interest of the health authority.
May I ask the Minister whether he has received recommendations in relation to any of the provisions laid down?
The Deputy has asked questions about some of these matters. I understand that certain types of facilities have already been provided in the Ballymun area. I take it the Deputy is referring to new proposals. Information in relation to these matters should be sought from the local authority who must take the initiative in providing the facilities. Some of the matters referred to are the direct responsibility of the health authority.
May I take it that there are no proposals from either the health authority or the local authority in relation to any of these matters with the Minister in his Department at the present time or, having been with him, referred back to them?
None of these matters is awaiting a decision in my Department. There are certain discussions going on. We know the thinking of Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council in regard to these matters and, in particular, in regard to the Ballymun area. I would not have the kind of information the Deputy is seeking and I suggest that he addresses his questions to the local authority; they will be only too pleased to let him know what progress is being made and what plans they have.
It has always been possible to obtain this type of information from the Minister's predecessors. Is the Minister aware, having himself visited the area, of the urgent need for some of these facilities to prevent the spread of lack of control over the juveniles in this area?
I am aware of the need to provide amenities in all large housing estates. Dublin Corporation have achieved quite substantial progress in the Ballymun area to date. It is a long term programme and I am anxious to see the type of facilities suggested provided there.
The Minister is not doubt aware that this complex was built by the National Building Agency at the instigation of his predecessor, Deputy Blaney. It was thrown over to the corporation to provide these amenities. Surely the Minister must accept some responsibility for the provision of these amenities in order to make this town a place in which people can live and rear children.
The provision of amenities is a matter for the corporation in the first instance. In saying that, I am not saying that I am not interested in keeping an eye on the development of amenities in the Ballymun area.
Is the Minister not surprised to find that there are between 15,000 and 17,000 persons in this area and these basic, essential amenities and recreational facilities have not been provided by the local authority up to now? Is the Minister not concerned that these have not been provided? There will be growing problems of management both in relation to adults and children in this area unless these amenities are provided. Would the Minister draw the attention of the local authority to their failure in this regard?
It is not fair of the Deputy to give the impression that nothing has been done. Substantial facilities have been provided. The scheme is not yet complete and I am anxious to see it progressing.
Surely the Minister is aware that practically 2,600 of these buildings are unsuited for young families. These buildings were built at the instigation of the Government and little or no research was done into whether or not they were suitable. Little notice, if any, was taken of the unsuitability of these buildings in other countries.
That does not arise on these questions.
I do not agree with the Deputy at all.