asked the Minister for Local Government the number of unauthorised developments at present taking place in the city of Dublin; and the action being taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Planning Control Enforcement.
24.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department. The enforcement of planning control is essentially a matter for the planning authority.
Would the Minister enquire from Dublin Corporation how many unauthorised developments are taking place because I can assure him that there are a considerable number? It would be of great interest to him and his Department, because in framing their new legislation this matter should be borne in mind, to know how many such developments are taking place. His colleague, the Minister for Finance, will not disagree with me on this point as we were recently at a meeting at which the question was discussed. It is a very serious problem and I would appreciate it if the Minister would make this inquiry from the corporation.
I think the Deputy is a member of Dublin Corporation and perhaps he would ask the corporation to supply this information. I am sure he will agree that, if Dublin Corporation had been operating over the last few years, a lot of this would have come to light before now and we would not have a situation which has turned out to be a scandal in this city.
The Minister does not understand the question.
I do not.
In the farming of new legislation, it will be very important for the Minister to know how many unauthorised developments there are in Dublin. I am trying to help him.
Is the Minister aware that there are reports of unauthorised developments in the Department and will he ensure that queries are made and action taken?
I am so aware, but I am also aware that there is authority whereby the Minister, if he thinks fit, may require the planning authority to serve an enforcement notice. This power has not been exercised up to now but I can assure the Deputy that it will be exercised in future.
Is the Minister aware that attempts were made to enforce this in the courts but that they were unsuccessful.
I am talking about orders made by a Minister which he had authority to make but which he or his Parliamentary Secretary did not make. Do not try to pass it on to me.
Action has been taken.
This matter has been sufficiently ventilated and I am calling the next question.
25.
asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to introduce new planning legislation and if it will contain a provision to allow injunctions to be brought against those responsible for unauthorised developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will have noted that on 28th March, 1973, the Dáil gave leave to introduce the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1973. I hope to be in a position in the near future to have the text of the Bill circulated to Deputies and in the meantime I do not propose to indicate the detailed provisions it will contain.
Will the Minister keep in mind the contents of the previous question?
We have passed the previous question.
I can assure the Deputy that I will and that I have so done.