asked the Minister for Local Government if he will explain the full circumstances which governed his decision to give planning permission to a firm (name supplied) to erect a petrol filling and service station at Ballymakenny Road, Drogheda, in a residential area beside a school for mentally handicapped children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drogheda Petrol Station.
52.
The Drogheda planning authority decided on the 26th January, 1965, to grant outline permission for the construction of a petrol filling and service station and fuel depot on the site in question. No appeal was made to me so the effect of the decision was to determine that the site could be used for the purpose proposed, subject only to satisfactory detailed plans for the station being prepared and approved.
Detailed plans were lodged by the developers and on 9th June, 1965, the planning authority decided to grant approval thereto. Appeals were made to me against this decision. The corporation by resolution decided on 5th January, 1966, to revoke the approval granted on 9th June, 1965, to the detailed plans for the station. The developers then appealed to me against the revocation. Having considered the views of the objectors, the corporation and the developers, and the reports of the two oral hearings which had been held, I decided that adequate planning reasons did not exist for disapproving the detailed plans for the proposed development. Accordingly, I made an order on 16th September, 1966, granting permission for the development, subject to conditions.
Is the Minister not aware that Drogheda Corporation, including members of his Party, unanimously decided this was not a suitable development in this area? Is he not aware that in addition to a scheme of new tenant purchase houses, there is a school for mentally defective children beside the proposed site and does he not agree it was a shocking decision on his part to allow a petrol filling station to be set up in the middle of this area, with consequential danger to children from the housing scheme as well as from the school? Is there not a danger that we shall have a second Aberfan if something goes wrong in the depot and does he not agree that he decided against giving permission, that he in fact had an order written to that effect which was subsequently revoked by him? In the circumstances, will he not agree he should have a second look at this matter?
Deputy Tully seems to think he knows more about my business than I do, which I am not prepared to concede. The order made, with conditions attached, removes what was a prime objection to this development, the inclusion in the overall development of the site of provision for a fuel storage depot. The order and conditions thereto on appeal exclude the use of the site for a fuel storage depot.
Does the Minister think it is in order to allow the erection of a petrol filling station which must of necessity contain storage facilities for fuel if the filling station is to continue? Is it not a shocking thing to grant permission for this sort of development in the area described by me? Does the Minister not know that eventually, if he persists in his decision, there is bound to be sworn inquiry called for? I hope that inquiry will be carried out and I can assure the Minister there will be some red faces as a result.
I can assure the Deputy it is not my face that will be red.
Am I to take it that the permission granted is for a filling station? There seems to be contradiction between the Minister's first reply and his subsequent one. Is it to be a filling station only and not a depot?
It will not carry a fuel storage depot. If I may correct any misconceptions that may exist, I am not saying that there may not be petrol tanks underneath the pumps. A fuel storage depot is an additional matter which by condition of the order is now ruled out—storage of fuel in much greater volume than would be required for the purpose of a filling station.
First of all, there is not to be a fuel storage depot and secondly, there is not to be a building in which gas cylinders are stored? Is that the position? Deputy Tully crossed the border with his question but I know more about it than he does.
Will the Deputy put a question?
It is very important to know whether gas will be stored there.
No fuel storage depot was included in the appeal. Since it is such an important matter, I should much prefer to deal with it in reply to a further separate question or by way of written reply to the Deputies concerned.
The Minister has not answered me as to whether gas will be stored there. It is a matter to be opened up.
Not opened up. I wish to be sure of my facts regarding gas storage.
I shall be corresponding with the Minister.
I want the Minister to say here in public—I do not want a private letter——
A private letter will do me.
Less than a private letter did the Deputy already on this question. Can the Minister say now if his reply means that further development being considered by petrol companies for that area will not be allowed?
I am afraid I do not follow the Deputy.
The Minister knows all about it.
To the best of my ability, I have made every effort to answer the question as put down. Now I am being asked to deal with further matters of importance and I am not prepared to do that because they are outside my brief at the moment.
I am prepared to accept that.