asked the Minister for the Environment why he has asked Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council to reverse their decision not to permit a major housing development in Baldoyle, County Dublin, despite the widespread opposition of local residents to the project.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Baldoyle (County Dublin) Housing Development.
20.
In contacting the Assistant City Manager as to whether the proposals for housing development at Baldoyle could be re-examined I was considering the urgent necessity for job creation and also the need for providing residential accommodation in the Dublin area. I would bring to the notice of the Deputy that under the provisions of section 22 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, as amended by the Act of 1976, the Minister for the Environment has specific powers in relation to development plans. These powers have not previously been used to any extent because of the inhibiting effect of the appeals function. The fact that appellate powers are now vested in An Bord Pleanála enables me to take the initiative to ask for a re-examination of the possibility of development in a particular area, especially where job creation and housing needs are concerned.
While I appreciate the need for both job creation and new houses, would the Minister, when he does review the desirability or likelihood of providing the houses, attempt to maintain as many of the recreational amenities in this area as possible? It is already a very heavily populated area.
I certainly think the area of land is big enough to be able to accommodate both interests.
In view of the Minister's stated reasons for his intervention in this instance, can we expect that intervention from him to the local authority for every application for housing development which is turned down by the local authority? I ask this in the interest of creating jobs.
No. Where I think there is a distinct possibility of creating jobs in line with providing badly needed houses I will consider it. There is no question of intervention in all cases.
In all cases where intervention would bring about jobs and housing where they are needed?
Question Time is over.
Could I ask the Minister if he would give any indication as to what the dividing line would be for intervention and non-intervention by him on matters such as this?
That is a separate question. It has nothing to do with building houses at Baldoyle.
Does the Minister consider it inappropriate for him to make representations to public officials whose appointment needs his ratification?
As I said in my reply, the powers under the 1963 Act amended in 1976 have not been used because of the inhibiting factor of the appeals to date, but the powers are there and I am prepared to use them where I think it appropriate in order to create jobs and more housing which are badly needed.
Is that irrespective of planning considerations?
I am talking about country plans and local authority plans, not planning issues.
A most helpful intervention.
(Interruptions.)
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for Tuesday 30 May 1978.
On a point of order, in view of the brief time we have had on this important question I give notice that I wish to raise it on the adjournment of the House.
I will communicate with the Deputy.