asked the Minister for Local Government if he will outline his plans for the conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of old districts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Conservation.
48.
I would refer the Deputy to a very full reply given by me to a similar question from the Deputy on the 7th February, 1974. Furthermore, I have continued to give consideration to the problem of derelict and vacant properties and I am hopeful that it may be possible to evolve some further measures to discourage property being left vacant and allowed to deteriorate or become derelict.
Does the Minister agree that in spite of environmental considerations it will be necessary to construct motorways in our main cities? Will this mean that places such as The Liberties about which the Minister has expressed concern, will have to be demolished or interfered with in some way?
I would hate to try to guess what is likely to happen when a public inquiry is held for the purpose of deciding where motorways are to be constructed. Therefore, I would not like to give a hypothetical question an answer which would be just guess work.
Can the Minister say that these properties in Dublin will be protected?
As far as I am concerned, the properties in Dublin will be protected. If, as a result of local inquiries a decision is made to do something about them, I am afraid Deputy Lemass will have to look elsewhere for someone to blame.