Vol. 507 No. 2
191 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position regarding the special amenity area order for Howth; when his Department will confirm this order; the reason delays have occurred in his Department in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16554/99]
In accordance with section 43 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, Fingal County Council submitted a Special Amenity Area Order for Howth to me for confirmation on 25 March 1999. As there were objections to the order, I have instructed that a public local inquiry be held and I have appointed a planning inspector from my Department to hold the inquiry and to report to me thereon. Arrangements have been made to hold the inquiry on Wednesday, 1 September 1999 and all interested parties will be advised accordingly. On receipt of the inspector's report, I will consider it and make my decision. The Act provides that I may confirm the order, with or without modification, or refuse to confirm it. There has been no delay in dealing with this order in my Department.
