asked the Minister for Local Government if plans have been made with regard to the new towns proposed for the fringes of Dublin; and if any policy has been decided upon regarding the provision of different types of employment there.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin New Towns.
16.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ensure that in the planning of the proposed new towns in the greater Dublin area the character of the towns in so far as a diverse and balanced social composition is concerned will be established at the outset.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together. Responsibility for the planning and development of their area rests with Dublin County Council as planning authority and their development plan sets out their aims and objectives including the achievement of a balanced social and economic environment.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that he would be wrong in confining this responsibility to Dublin County Council? The questions refer to new towns on the fringes of Dublin and Kildare and Meath County Councils would probably be involved?
As the Deputy knows, the hinterland is taken into consideration by the planning authorities.
Lest that answer might be construed as meaning—this is something many people believe— that the Parliamentary Secretary is concerned solely with Dublin, it would be nice to have an assurance now from the Parliamentary Secretary that towns on the outskirts enter into his consideration sometimes too.