asked the Minister for the Environment if he will inform the Planning Appeals Board of the concern of the citizens of Dublin to preserve as much green space as possible in the Dublin area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Green Spaces.
26.
When An Bord Pleanála consider any planning appeal, they have before them the views of the relevant planning authority. Furthermore, the policy of the Dublin planning authorities for the preservation of existing open spaces and for the provision of new areas for open space and recreational amenity is set out in their development plans. When deciding planning appeals, An Bord Pleanála are required, inter alia, to have regard to the provisions of the relevant development plan. In the circumstances, it does not appear to me that any notification to the board on the lines suggested by the Deputy is necessary.
There is a very delicate situation here because land which is still green, particularly in inner city areas, is largely in the hands of religious communities.
That is not a question.
Is the Minister aware that most of this land is specifically excluded by the Constitution from being acquired by the local authority for certain purposes and therefore the response of the Department and the local authority to a greening policy is limited? Would the Minister consider some specific steps in regard to land now held by religious communities with a view to ensuring that it is kept as green as possible?
The question refers to the rights of appeal.