asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that it is proposed to demolish many sub-standard dwellings in the old Dublin area, he will consider, in consultation with the planning authority, the provision of reasonable accommodation in that area to house the persons being dislodged; and if he will consider zoning parts of the area for industrial development, with particular reference to the area between Emmet Road, Inchicore and the Camac River.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Housing Accommodation.
32.
The rehousing of people from sub-standard dwellings and redevelopment areas is a function of the local authority as is the zoning of land within their functional area. I would remind the Deputy that, following encouragement by me, Dublin Corporation have adopted a centre city housing programme which is aimed at providing new housing in centre city areas which have been traditionally residential in character and at conserving the existing housing stock in these areas, where possible, and that the Dublin city development plan is due for review in 1976 and the review procedure is at present in progress. I would suggest that the Deputy contact Dublin Corporation with any suggestions he has in regard to the plan.
Are there any proposals before the Minister with regard to the area asked about at the end of the question—the Emmet Road-Camac River district? Has there been a CPO put out on all the houses there?
There is a CPO but I would remind the Deputy that the area between Emmet Road and the Camac is zoned in the 1971 plan for residential development with a small area for general business. It is zoned as residential and Deputy Lemass is proposing that it should be changed completely. That can only be done by Dublin Corporation.
I should like to know if "general business" will include small industries. Employment is going out of that area and I should like to see some small business there as well as residences.
The Deputy will understand that if an area is zoned as residential I would assume "general business" would mean shopping because I cannot see how a new area could otherwise be suddenly built up. Deputy Lemass suggested it should be taken over for industry and he now suggests factories should be built within an area zoned as residential. I do not think that would be acceptable to Dublin Corporation.
A whole lot of people have gone out of business there.