asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the long delay on the part of the Dublin Corporation in acquiring, tidying up, rendering safe and developing a dangerous, brick-strewn, derelict site adjoining the rere of houses at Armstrong Street, Harold's Cross, Dublin; and if he will state the reason for the delay, and the action which will now be taken by that authority to ensure that the site is made safe and properly developed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Derelict Site.
12.
Mr. Ryan
I understand that, in the case referred to, Dublin Corporation have already taken steps to prevent the site from continuing derelict and that they intend to take further measures to this end.
Mr. Ryan
Arising out of that most comprehensive reply, I wonder would the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough to indicate the steps which have been taken to prevent the site continuing as a derelict and dangerous site?
Notices were served under the Derelict Sites Act, 1961, and, no proposals having been received from the people who were served with these notices, the Corporation has, I understand, taken further steps to prevent these houses from continuing as a derelict site.
Mr. Ryan
I do not want to harass the Parliamentary Secretary, but I think the position is that it is now about two years since the notices were served. Since then a proposal to develop the site as a petrol station has been turned down. Since it was turned down, the situation has become worse because the children in the area are rooting out whatever bricks and stones are loose and using the roofs and windows of adjoining houses as cock-shots. Having regard to a tremendous amount of damage to property, and, in some cases, injury to persons, would the Minister use his good offices with the Corporation to see that this sorry state of affairs is brought to a conclusion?
The Minister has been informed by the Corporation that they have taken steps and are taking further steps now, but the Deputy's suggestion will be borne in mind.
The soft answer turneth away wrath.