asked the Minister for Local Government if Dublin Corporation have any plans for the provision of playing fields in Finglas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finglas (Dublin) Playing Fields.
42.
The only information available in my Department about this matter is what is contained in the draft development plan for Dublin. The draft plan lists 18 open spaces in the Finglas area which are in the possession of the planning authority and which they propose to develop in the first five years of the operation of the plan for recreational or amenity purposes.
Am I to take it that as far as the Minister is concerned there are no immediate plans for the provision of playing fields or recreational facilities in the Finglas area?
It is proposed to develop these 18 open spaces within five years of the adoption of the development plan; that seems to me to be immediate.
Is this plan at the draft stage?
Yes, the planning authority now have to consider object tions to the draft plan and when that has been done the development plan will be adopted.
Will sporting facilities be allocated in these open spaces?
I assume they will.
Is not the position that most of these 18 open spaces were included in a programme of park development which was adopted by Dublin Corporation seven years ago, but only two years of the ten-year programme has been implemented because the Department of Local Government will not give one penny towards this development?
That is not correct.
It is absolutely right. This five-year plan is all "hogwash". There will still be derelict sites in five years time.
The position is that Dublin Corporation spent too much of their time dealing with business that did not concern them.
The Minister's Department will not give any money for this development, so it has to be paid for out of the rates.
That is why Dublin Corporation abandoned it.