asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the inability of Dublin Corporation to cope with the many serious problems arising from the presence of many caravans and other mobile homes in the west Finglas area, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finglas (Dublin) Caravan Problem.
6.
I am aware that there are problems arising in the west Finglas area and that there may be difficulty in dealing with them. Wide powers to control temporary dwellings and camping are available under both planning and sanitary services legislation and it is a matter for Dublin Corporation to apply these powers as may be appropriate to the situation. In so far as pressures in the area are related to the tendency of travelling families to drift towards the larger cities and towns, I would remind the Deputy that I have recently written to all county and city managers asking them to work out programmes for the accommodation of such families in their areas. They have been advised that the services of the adviser on the programme for the accommodation of travelling people are available to them.
Would the Minister accept that perhaps some of the families in question would not welcome accommodation, that they are mindful of the cheap accommodation they have at the expense of the local residents in the west Finglas area?
I accept that but I would point out to the Deputy that the local sanitary authorities have adequate powers under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 to control the erection or retention of temporary dwellings. Under section 21 of that Act, a sanitary authority may, by order, prohibit the erection or retention of any such dwelling. This includes caravans, tents and so on. In fact, a prohibition order under the section was made in respect of the west Finglas area on 8th June, 1970. It is a matter for the local authorities to carry out the regulations they have made. They have the authority to do so.
Would the Minister accept that the city manager has indicated his inability to cope with this menace? Further, would he accept that the feelings of the local community may be such that they will take their own way in dealing with this matter? I am sure the Minister will agree this would be undesirable.
I would regret very much if any local group would take the law into their own hands. It is not good enough for people in charge of a local authority to say they are unable to deal with the matter. They have the statutory powers to deal with it and it is up to the elected representatives to ensure that those powers are used.
Will the Minister indicate the fine imposed on a person or persons who abuses the area in question?
I have not got the actual fines here but I am sure the court would deal with them.
It is only £1. That is very cheap accommodation.
I would not like the Minister or the House to be under the illusion that this is just a problem for west Finglas. This is a problem throughout the length and breadth of County Dublin. What action is the Minister going to take on a county and city wide basis? There is no use quoting the law because where are you going to send them?
This is Question Time.
If Deputy Burke puts down a question about some other area I will answer it.
That is a quick way of getting out of it.
If the Deputy is only interested when somebody else raises a question he cannot blame me for not having the answer.