asked the Minister for Finance what progress has been made in providing children's playgrounds in the Phoenix Park; and the amount spent to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Amenities.
41.
A scheme is in hands for the provision of a children's playground in the People's Gardens, Phoenix Park, and it is hoped to invite tenders for the work within a few months. There has been no expenditure to date on the project.
42.
asked the Minister for Finance what progress has been made in providing a public golf course in the Phoenix Park; and the amount spent to date.
There is no proposal under consideration for the provision of a golf course at the Phoenix Park. Tentative layouts for a golf course at the Phoenix Park Extension—formerly the Inchicore North and Long-meadows Estate—have been prepared. The financial and other implications of the project are being examined.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give us more details about this? Is it not true that he has been at the site and made it clear that the project is going ahead very quickly? People who had plots of land in this area were threatened with eviction because of a decision to go ahead with the project.
I expect the project to commence very shortly.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary let us have more details regarding the cost involved?
That would be a separate question. Costs would have to be broken down. Of course, an 18-hole golf course would not be provided in the first instance. Something smaller would be provided first and then we would have to wait to see what is the reaction of the public to the project.
What about the fees? A fee of 50p was mentioned.
I have a fee of 40p in mind.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the plotholders at Inchicore had their livelihoods jeopardised by this decision in so far as they could not utilise their plots as they wished after receiving notices to quit?
I have met the association and I think they understand the position.
Because there are no finalised plans yet can the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that these people can continue to utilise their plots?
There are finalised plans. I am awaiting word from the Minister's office.
Will the work begin within the next three months?
I expect it will be begun before then.