Vol. 194 No. 3
asked the Minister for Local Government on what grounds he has reversed the decision of Dublin Corporation by permitting the erection of houses at Clontarf Castle estate on an area reserved as a public open space in the draft town plan and which it was proposed to develop as a public park for the amenity of the residents.
17.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has refused to receive a deputation from Dublin Corporation in connection with his reversal of the Corporation's decision on plans for the development of Clontarf Castle estate; and, if so, why.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
The appeal under the Town and Regional planning Acts related to a proposal for the erection of 53 houses. I allowed the appeal subject to the omission of 12 houses. In coming to this decision I took into account all relevant considerations including the demand for residential accommodation in the area, the provision of open space in relation to the proposed development and the amount of open space available in the Clontarf area generally.
As Section 59 (3) of the Town and Regional Planning Act, 1934, provides that my decision on an appeal shall be final, no useful purpose would have been served by my receiving a deputation from the Corporation after I had made the Order.
Is the Minister aware that when this estate was first developed six years ago, the purchasers of houses there at that time were given clearly to understand that a park would be provided on this open space which was reserved as an open space under the draft town planning? The Minister is condoning a grave breach of faith by the developers of the estate.
I am glad the Deputy has raised this matter. To expend, possibly for once in one's lifetime, rather a large sum in providing oneself with a house and then to take so little care when purchasing it as to accept statements made verbally, or indeed only inferences, is a practice which, I think, should be discontinued for the benefit of all concerned. I cannot, nor can any Minister for Local Government, be expected to see what is in good faith or otherwise in respect of every transaction in relation to every house built by a speculative builder and sold to a tenant.
Two years ago, the Minister confirmed the Corporation's rejection of building plans for this area. What developments have transpired in the past two years which have influenced the Minister to make this decision? The Minister has been got at. When will the Minister confirm the draft town plan?
If the Deputy wants to make allegations and cast insults about being "got at", he can seek information from somebody other than the Minister for Local Government.
