Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 1983

Vol. 339 No. 9

Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Bill, 1982: Committee and Final Stages.

Sections 1 to 9, inclusive, agreed to.

Title agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Mr. Gene Fitzgerald

I want to avail of this opportunity to support what Deputy Taylor said about the quality of the person appointed. The Minister of State is keenly interested in planning and development generally, and is aware of the necessity for efficiency in planning and development at local level. In times of high unemployment we should proceed as quickly and as efficiently as possible and not allow bureaucratic arguments to delay planning approvals. I say that in the interest of employment, realising the importance of ensuring that no slipshod planning approvals are let through.

Because of the environmental development of our community it is important that the right type of person be appointed by the Local Appointments Commission. We have all seen the mistakes made in the past in Dublin, Cork and other cities. Community development should be geared to the needs of the area and there should not be any undue delay because rising costs might mean that the project might not be realised, thus causing unemployment or not creating employment. I know the Minister is committed to this idea but I am using this opportunity to remind him that he will have our support in any steps he takes in that direction.

Mr. Taylor

I support what Deputy Gene Fitzgerald has said regarding the importance of ensuring that there will be a minimum of delay at all stages of planning procedures. Where officials are dealing with planning permissions, particularly on large scale developments, great care is required to ensure the public get the protection they need. That has not always happened. We see now that large firms of builders and developers have gone into liquidation or receivership leaving estates in a half or partly finished state, with roads unfinished and these estates not in charge. We find the attention that would have provided protection for the public at the planning stage has not been given and the bonding that should have been provided for ade-quartely at that stage is not there. These unfortunate people may have to stay for years in their houses in estates that have not been put in charge of the local authorities. I agree with Deputy Fitzgerald that reasonable speed is necessary, but at the same time the essential care local authority officials must take should not be overlooked.

Minister of State at the Department of Environment (Mr. Quinn)

I welcome the offer of support from the Opposition in relation to any reasonable measures we may take to speed up the planning process and to ensure that no unreasonable delays occur. I recognise that the central problem is not so much the delays for existing work, although that is a great difficulty for the building industry, but because of the rate of growth and change in certain parts of the country local authorities have found themselves left with unsatisfactory developments after the builder has either gone bankrupt or gone into voluntary liquidation simply to avoid his obligations.

So far as these matters relate to this Bill, the Local Appointments Commission will be able to ensure that the local authorities which want them can get people who have the extra special qualifications which may be necessary to do the kind of work Deputy Taylor referred to.

Question put and agreed to.