asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to make a decision in respect of the compulsory purchase order for the Camden Street-Harcourt Street area, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin CPOs.
13.
This order is at present under consideration in my Department and my decision thereon will be conveyed as soon as possible.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, this inquiry was held last October and quite a number of business people are involved. They were informed by the inspector that the decision would be made in a matter of three months. They have been in a state of limbo for the last 12 months and I would ask the Minister if he would make his decision as soon as possible.
I am not responsible for the long delay, but it is a fact the inquiry was held as long ago as 11th July, 1972, and there were 13 objections to the order and, because of the rather peculiar situation mentioned, it had to be investigated in a certain way and the evidence produced in a certain way, the matter has been held up until now. I hope to have a decision on it in a week or so.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister aware that Dublin Corporation can keep a person up to eight or ten years before purchasing his property and, furthermore, they have prohibited the expansion of building in this area due to this long delay. This is exactly what Deputy O'Brien is speaking about. I know the people in Harcourt Street are very concerned as regards future development and they would like the corporation to make a quick decision because this delay is holding up their future plans.
The decision is not a matter for the corporation. It is a matter for Local Government and I can assure the Deputy it will be dealt with pretty quickly. It was 12 months old when I got it.
14.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will request Dublin Corporation to make a compulsory purchase order in respect of 32 flats and five shops, known as St. Ultans flats, in Charlemont Street, Dublin.
In view of my statutory functions in relation to the determination of compulsory purchase orders it would not be proper for me to make any request of this nature.