asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the obstruction to environmental amenities by industrial construction such as oil and gas tanks, he will take the necessary administrative or legislative steps to ensure, where technically possible, that such constructions are placed underground; if his attention has been drawn to the impairment of the Dublin Bay prospect from Clontarf seafront, by the presence in the port of a large number of such constructions, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Obstruction to Environmental Amenities.
18.
The construction of oil or gas tanks requires planning permission before it can proceed. Planning authorities have powers available to them under the Planning Acts to ensure that such installations are located or landscaped so as to ensure that any adverse impact on the environment in minimised. As regards the installations in Dublin port it is the policy of the planning authority to ensure that extensions to the port facing the residential suburbs of Clontarf and Sandymount are suitably landscaped in the interests of the residential character of these areas.
It would not be feasible to insist, at this stage, that existing oil and gas tanks in Dublin port be relocated underground. However, with new techniques being developed, the location of similar structures underground may become feasible in the future. This would be a matter for the planning authority to decide in the framework of the development plan.
It is important that the environmental value of Dublin Bay be preserved. Would the Minister first say if there are any harbour works orders in the pipeline? If such orders are sought would the Minister issue a directive to have all oil and gas tanks constructed underground?
This is a matter for the planning authority because planning permission must be sought. It is up to the planning authority to make this a condition of the permission. It is something in which the Minister would not intervene at this stage.
I am aware of that but have any harbour works orders been sought and if they have been would the Minister not issue a directive instructing Dublin Port and Docks Board and Dublin Corporation to have these tanks located underground?
The Deputy might put down a separate question.
I think it is relevant.
Planning permission has to be obtained——
I am aware of that but have harbour works orders been sought?
I am not aware of that, as my Department is not involved——
I would say they have been sought and I am now asking if the Minister would issue a directive to have these unsightly oil and gas tanks constructed underground?
No. Planning permission has to be got and I am open to take any views on it from the local planning authority concerned.
I can assure the Minister the residents of Clontarf will not be happy with that.
(Interruptions.)
I understand the Deputy is a member of the local authority.
He does a very good job.
It is a reserved function of the Minister.
(Interruptions.)
Would Deputies on that side leave it to the Minister to reply.
May I point out to the Minister that it is a reserved function of the Minister.
Question No. 19 has gone for written reply.