asked the Minister for Health whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed by Birr Urban District Council protesting against the proposed compulsory acquisition order in respect of the approach and entrance to Birr district hospital; and whether, in view of the wishes of the local people in the matter, he will withhold confirmation of the order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Birr District Hospital Entrance: Proposed Compulsory Acquisition Order.
I have seen a copy of the resolution referred to by the Deputy. The compulsory acquisition order had already been confirmed by me on the 24th ultimo and the Offaly County Council and the Birr Urban District Council were informed to that effect on 3rd instant. In addition, I understand that the statutory notice of confirmation of the order was published in a local newspaper on 15th instant. The representations made by the Birr Urban District Council and other interested parties, together with the report of the inspector who held the public local inquiry in the matter, were carefully considered by me before I arrived at a decision to confirm the order.
In this connection, I would like to mention that, under the provisions of Section 85 of the Health Act, 1947, a person who or whose property is affected by a compulsory acquisition order may, in certain circumstances, appeal to the High Court for the complete or partial annulment of the order. Any such appeal must be lodged within three weeks after the first publication by advertisement of notice of the confirmation of the order by the Minister. As I have already mentioned, I understand that notice of confirmation was published on 15th instant; accordingly, the three week period expires on the 7th prox.