asked the Minister for Local Government if it is necessary for a local authority, before proceeding to acquire compulsorily land for building purposes, to be in a position to prove absolute need for such land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Building Land.
44.
A local authority which seeks to acquire lands compulsorily must be in a position to show that the lands are needed for the purposes for which they are intended to be used. In each case it is a matter for the local authority, in the first instance, to decide whether or not the making of a compulsory purchase order would be justified.
In supporting evidence, is it necessary to specify the exact number of applicants for housing accommodation in the area at the particular time? I ask this question because of the influx of people into the Dublin region, and because of the fact that we have to cater in advance and buy bigger sites than are required at the time.
On that point, I probably should say that the most detailed evidence available and at the disposal of the local authority during the course of the hearing of such an inquiry should be given and used to make the best possible case for what they know to be needed at that time. In such a case as the Deputy has mentioned, we are also aware at the time of the hearing that they will need further land in the not too distant future. That consideration should also be added in and should be given the same weight, and is given the same weight, but in itself is not sufficient to get a decision in favour of the local authority.