asked the Minister for Local Government what is the policy in relation to dumping and industrial development on Sandymount Strand, Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sandymount Strand.
48.
I understand that the Dublin Port and Docks Board have tentative plans for extension and industrial development in the port area, including part of Sandymount Strand. This development would be subject to planning control by Dublin Corporation. The development of Sandymount Strand, including the extent to which the present dumping is to continue, is a matter which the corporation must consider in the framing of their development plan. I am not aware that they have made any formal decision to depart from their original proposals to reserve a large area as public open space.
49.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether planning permission has been granted for the work proceeding at present on the erection of a factory for Messrs. Roadstone on a site adjacent to the ESB works on Pigeon House Road, Dublin, and on the dumping of material to make an access road off Beach Road.
I am informed by the Dublin Corporation that an order was made on 22nd February last, deciding to grant permission for a ready-mix cement factory on the site in question. As no objection was lodged within the statutory period, outline permission was granted on 24th March. Until detailed plans have been submitted and approved by the corporation, the erection of the factory is not authorised. In view of the Deputy's statement that work is proceeding and that an access road is being provided, I have asked Dublin Corporation for a report on the matter. When I receive it, I shall communicate with the Deputy.
50.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has the power to declare Sandymount Strand a special amenity area in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, by reason of (a) the valuable amenity it provides for many south side residents, particularly those dependent on public transport for access to open air and country, (b) the views and vistas it provides, and (c) its attractiveness to tourists on account of its associations with Joyce and the associations of the district with Yeats.
The making of a special amenity area Order under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, is in the first instance the function of the local planning authority.
In view of the use that the citizens of Dublin make of that area, will the Minister take very special care that the amenities of the strand are preserved as far as possible? There was an idea at one time that the area should be used as an airport which would have provided a very nice open strand there.
That does not arise out of the question.
It arises out of the Minister's reply on the preservation of the amenities. We would not like to see the Waxies' Dargle done away with.
Certainly not; I shall bear that in mind. It will arise when the development plan is presented formally to me by Dublin Corporation. Any omissions or anything that is found lacking in the development plan can then be brought to their attention in a much more forceful manner.
The Minister is aware that there is a great deal of alarm in the area?
I have heard that.
Is it not better to give publicity to the plan?
The plan is not yet made and, in the meantime, it is for Dublin Corporation solely to make the determination. Ultimately the development plan will be required to be presented to my Department.