asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by a company (details supplied) as a result of a refusal of planning permission, having regard to the fact that seven adjoining applications for permission were granted, and that as a result of the refusal this business will have to close in January 1981 resulting directly in the unemployment of ten persons; and if it is possible to take any remedial action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Planning Permission Refusal.
21.
I understand that the development in question is unauthorised and that permission in respect of the site was refused on three separate occasions on appeal by the Minister for Local Government in 1970, 1972 and 1976. I also understand that permission was refused on appeal for an extension of the development by An Bord Pleanála on 31 January 1979 and that, following High Court proceedings instituted by the planning authority and a subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court, that court in June 1980 upheld the decision of the High Court which required, inter alia, the discontinuance of unauthorised use of the site and the removal of unauthorised structures. The Supreme Court asked that the High Court order be not served until January 1981 to allow the defendants time to clear the site or make alternative arrangements. Decisions on planning applications are matters for the planning authority concerned and for An Bord Pleanála on appeal and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the matter.