asked the Minister for Local Government when a result from the inquiry on the extension of Drogheda Borough Boundary may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Borough Boundary Inquiry.
44.
I am not at present in a position to say when I expect to make a decision in this matter, but there will be no avoidable delay.
Any order extending the boundary would not have effect unless confirmed by the Oireachtas.
Surely the length of time that has elapsed would have allowed the Minister to consider the conclusions reached as a result of evidence given at a public inquiry?
I can assure the Deputy that I am not causing any delay in the matter and that a decision will be given by me as soon as I find it possible to do so.
I am sure the time of the Minister and his Department is taken up with more important matters.
I can assure Deputy Tully that Drogheda is a booming town where there is an absolute necessity for planning and for an extension of water mains and services and that this decision is one that must be reached as quickly as possible.
The Deputy attended the regional meeting at which I met representatives of the local authority for a discussion on the White Paper. At that meeting this type of matter was discussed extensively but the particular proposal relating to Drogheda is under examination and I cannot give any further information on it until some decision is given.
Is the Minister aware that there are 480 acres underdeveloped in Drogheda town itself and that there are 1,100 acres which Louth County Council have ceded to Drogheda without any objections and surely Deputy Donegan could arrange for those areas to be developed?
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Tully is being mischievous deliberately and that, so far as planning is concerned, what he says is not true?
I think that Deputy Donegan, having listened to Deputy Tully, would appreciate that the matter is not as simple as he may think it is.
The matter is a simple one—Drogheda town must go on.
Drogheda Corporation gave planning permission six years ago to the people who owned the 480 acres and there is no reason to prevent it from being developed.
You did not give us anything from the rates for the swimming pool. This is parochialism to the last.
This is a coalition row.