asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that a caravan site has been serviced at Limekiln Lane, Dublin, since the existence of unauthorised structures was brought to his notice in a question of 6th April last; and if, in fact, the local authority is receiving rates and providing services for buildings, temporary and otherwise, which have not been approved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Unauthorised Structures.
9.
This matter has been brought to the notice of the county council. It appears that seven caravans have been placed on a site at Limekiln Lane within the past two months, that a piped water supply has been provided by connection from a nearby house and that a WC unit and septic tank has been constructed. The approval of the council as planning authority or as sanitary authority was not obtained and they are now considering what action they should take. I understand that the land is not rated as a caravan site.
Regarding the general question, the council is obliged in law to collect rates from the occupiers of hereditaments listed in the Valuation List. As a general principle, the council do not provide water and sanitary services for unauthorised developments.
Do I take it that, in fact, rates are being received from the occupants on this site? Is the report correct that people who have, apparently, driven right through the town planning regulations are paying rates to Dublin County Council and these rates are being accepted? Does this not create a very false situation for the local authority and for the people living in the area who regard this development as highly undesirable?
As I said, it is unauthorised, and the county council are considering what action they should take.
Would the Minister ask them to get a bit of speed on in the matter?
Could the Minister say if the county council would be empowered to cut off the supply from the premises which has permitted this supply to the unauthorised caravan site?
That is a separate question.
It is a matter for the county council, in the first instance, to decide what they will do.
People have a right to live. It has nothing to do with it.