Billy Timmins
Question:44 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with section 83 of the Local Government Act, 1946; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10873/99]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Lands.
Billy Timmins
Question:67 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the policy directive, if any, he has issued to local authorities with respect to the economic role they play in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10872/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 67 together.
From correspondence received in my Department from the Deputy, I assume that the two question are linked and, accordingly, I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 67 together.
The disposal of land in the ownership of a local authority is a matter for the authority themselves. Disposal of land by local authorities can arise under a number of statutory provisions. As far as lands acquired for purposes other than the Housing Act, 1966, are concerned, the principal provision which local authorities may use to dispose of land surplus to their requirements is section 83 of the Local Government Act, 1946, as amended by the Local Government Act, 1991 (Removal of Control) Regulations, 1993. These provisions give the elected members a deciding role in the exercise of the local authority's functions in relation to the disposal of such lands.
It is only where it is proposed to make a disposal of such lands at less than the market value that approval of the Minister is required. Where such a proposal is justified by benefits, economic or other, to the local community, I would be prepared to consider it favourably. I am not aware of any difficulties in the operation of section 83 in the context referred to by the Deputy.
A ministerial policy directive has not been issued to local authorities in relation to the disposal of land to promote local economic activity and, in view of the progressive approach to economic development by local authorities generally, I am not convinced of the need for such a directive.