asked the Minister for the Environment the reason extensive delays have occurred in the making of a decision on a lay-out plan submitted to his Department by Dublin Corporation in respect of a proposed redevelopment of part of the Sean McDermott Street area of Dublin's inner city; whether he is aware of the extreme urgency which attaches to making progress in this regard as rapidly as possible; whether he now proposes to grant approval in this case; whether he will ensure that the further submission of the detailed plans will receive the speediest possible consideration; and if he will allow an official from his Department to attend in an observer capacity meetings of the appropriate Dublin Corporation Committee with a view to assisting his Department in an immediate and thorough understanding of all aspects of this important proposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Area Development.
There has been no unnecessary delay in making a decision on the proposals for this area as set out in a layout plan submitted to my Department by Dublin Corporation. I am aware of the urgency which attaches to the redevelopment of this area, but because of the major civic importance and cost of the project which may be repeated in other inner city areas, all planning aspects, particularly the social aspects, must be carefully considered. In pursuance of this the city manager was asked to consider outline proposals suggested by my Department for a mixed type of development and these were used as basis for a discussion between officers of the corporation and of the Department on 27 February 1981. Arising out of this discussion it was agreed that two sections could be developed for housing purposes without compromising the necessary comprehensive planning of the designated area and the corporation have been notified accordingly. The corporation have been asked to prepare an action plan indicating their overall proposals for the general area.
I believe that this is the most expedient manner to produce a comprehensive plan which fully exploits the possibilities of the area for a properly integrated development. I am satisfied that my Department will be kept fully aware of developments by the corporation officials and that the attendance of an officer of the Department at meetings of the city council's committee is not necessary.