asked the Minister for Local Government the basis of his decision to permit on appeal the erection of a petrol filling station at Old Youghal Road, Cork; if he is aware that Cork Corporation has rejected this appeal decision; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Petrol Filling Station.
99.
I have been notified that Cork Corporation at their meeting held on 12th May, 1970, decided to revoke the outline permission granted as a result of an appeal for the development referred to by the Deputy and have served notice accordingly on the persons affected by their decision. Section 30 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, which empowers the corporation to make such decision provides for a right of appeal to me against the decision within a specified period. This period has not yet expired and as the right of appeal may still be exercised it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on the matter at this stage.
Surely the Minister is very conscious of the fact that the Cork city architect and the town planning officer in Cork city, on the 2nd September, 1968, specifically recommended refusal of this permission? The corporation concurred. On appeal the former Minister, Deputy Boland, allowed it. The corporation have again, in consultation with the planning staff, refused the appeal. Could I now have an assurance from the Minister that he will not rescind the corporation's decision on further appeal in this matter? Surely it has gone on long enough and surely there have been too many political machinations in the matter of this appeal?
The Deputy is making a statement now.
As the specified period within which the person could make an appeal has not expired I do not propose to make any comment.