asked the Minister for Local Government the extra recreational facilities that will be provided with the proposed expansion of housing in the Ballyfermot area, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballyfermot (Dublin) Recreational Facilities.
7.
This is a matter primarily for Dublin Corporation. Recently I approved the corporation's tender proposal for 298 houses in Cherry Orchard. These houses will adjoin the large existing park at Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot. I am assured by the corporation that it is their intention to make generous provision for additional recreational facilities in the balance of the Cherry Orchard site.
In the event of local interests not being satisfied with the provision made for recreational facilities, have they the right to appeal to the Minister against this decision?
They must take the matter up with Dublin Corporation who are responsible for this matter. Out of courtesy I am giving Deputy Lemass the information which I have available to me.
The Minister is misleading. He has just said he has approved of a tender for the erection of so many houses at the Cherry Orchard Estate. In the event of the corporation approving of a planning application, have the individuals the right to appeal against it? In this case the residents are not satisfied with the recreational facilities to be provided but can they appeal about this to the Minister?
I am sure Deputy Lemass understands that approving a tender is not the same thing. I approved a tender for the erection of 298 houses on that estate and it is a matter for Dublin Corporation. I suggest that Deputy Lemass who might be able to make representations to the corporation should do so.
The Minister is responsible for the final planning permissions. In ordinary cases there is the right of appeal to the Minister in the event of people being dissatisfied with a decision of the corporation but will that right of appeal be available to the residents of Ballyfermot if they are dissatisfied with the provisions I have referred to?
Deputy Lemass is talking a lot of nonsense because he knows well that this is a matter for Dublin Corporation.
I am seeking information.
The Deputy is not seeking information. He is attempting to say that the law is as it is not. The law does not say anything like what Deputy Lemass suggests and the Deputy is aware of this. Therefore, he should not try to cod the House by pretending to do something he knows he cannot do.
I had prepared an amendment to change the law.
And we will talk about it when it comes up.
Do I take it from what the Minister has stated that the corporation is a law unto themselves in these matters?
I have told Deputy Lemass that the corporation have taken a decision and they have a right to take that decision. If any representations are to be made it is to the corporation that they should be made and not to me.