asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will sanction the proposal for an extension at the county committee of agriculture premises at Portlaoise; if he will state the delay in dealing with the matter; and if the work will now be put in hands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Agriculture Committee Premises.
79.
My Department is awaiting confirmation by the Laois County Committee of Agriculture that they have received the necessary planning permission in respect of the erection of the proposed agricultural education centre at Portlaoise and until this is forthcoming the question of sanction cannot be finalised. There has been no undue delay in dealing with the matter.
Is this an agricultural education centre sponsored by the county committee of agriculture?
That is right.
Could the Minister tell me how many committees of agriculture have erected county education centres?
That is a separate question.
I would tell the Deputy if I had the information readily to hand but I have not got it.
Would the Minister say whether this is one of the first in the country?
No. I recall opening one in Gorey, County Wexford, last year.
(Cavan): Is it necessary for a local authority operating under a planning authority, as this committee of agriculture obviously would be, to get planning permission?
It is.
(Cavan): Is it not just necessary for them to notify——
I am informed that this is one of the conditions which must be complied with. The first condition is that clear title must be established.
(Cavan): I was interested only in the question of planning permission.
There are other conditions which must be complied with. Three conditions must be satisfied. Financial arrangements must be satisfactory and planning permission not yet obtained by the committee must be arranged. Application for it has been made but it is not expected to be received for a few weeks.