asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the continued widespread concern about proposals to demolish fine examples of the eighteenth century Irish architecture in Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, he will state his final decision on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Georgian Buildings.
53.
Mr. Ryan
The only proposal relating to the demolition of houses in Fitzwilliam Street with which I have been concerned is the proposal by the Electricity Supply Board to demolish 16 houses in Lower Fitzwilliam Street. General permission for this work was granted to the Board under the Town and Regional Planning Acts by Dublin Corporation in January, 1962. Appeals against the Corporation's decision were received by me and having considered the matter fully I decided in July, 1963, that the permission granted by the Corporation should be confirmed.
Mr. Ryan
Can we understand that it is within the power of the Minister to require that these old buildings will be demolished and that buildings similar in form and shape will be constructed on the site for replacement?
I do not quite follow what the Deputy means.
Mr. Ryan
Is it still open to the Minister to require the Board to erect buildings similar in perspective and appearance to those which he is permitting the Board to demolish?
The general permission, later confirmed by me on appeal, was granted subject to the condition that the Board would submit detailed plans of the proposed new block before any work was commenced? That is the position.
Mr. Ryan
Has the Board submitted new plans to the Minister?
They would not come to me in the ordinary course of events. Dublin Corporation is the body to which they would have to be submitted.
Mr. Ryan
Or, on appeal, to the Minister.
Later, on appeal to me.