asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the widespread concern to shopkeepers in Crumlin and adjoining districts in Dublin caused by his decision to revoke Dublin Corporation's rejection of a plan for a substantial shopping development at Crumlin road; if his decision may be nullified by any other authority; and, if so, by whom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crumlin (Dublin) Development.
46.
I recently became aware that shopkeepers in the Crumlin area and adjoining districts are objecting to the proposed redevelopment of the site of the former concrete products factory at Crumlin Road for shops and offices for which outline permission was granted on appeal on the 29th September last. No objections were made to me while the appeal was being considered. I have no power to alter or vary a decision made on an appeal.
Under section 30 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, a planning authority may, by notice served on the owners and occupiers of the land and any other person who may be affected, revoke or modify a permission. In deciding whether it is expedient to serve such a notice the planning authority are restricted to considering the proper planning and development of the area of the authority. This power may be exercised at any time before the works have been commenced or, where a change of use is concerned, at any time before the change has taken place. The planning authority would of course be liable for compensation as a result. An appeal lies to me against a notice served under section 30.
Would the Minister confirm whether the planning authority in the case of Crumlin Road would be the commissioner in Dublin city?
Yes, that is right.
If it is decided by Dublin Corporation not to grant permission to this body which requires to build and if the case goes to the Minister on appeal, are the group notified of the fact that the appeal goes to the Minister? In this case the shopkeepers were not aware that the case had been appealed to the Minister. Dublin Corporation rejected the application for planning permission and the shopkeepers were not informed that Moracrete appealed to the Minister. Are they entitled to be informed?
If anybody wishes to make an objection to a planning application, this planning application is brought to their attention by way of public notice. If they in that way lodge their objection they would, of course, be informed of the decision of the local authority.
I do not think the Minister has answered my question. They appealed against outline planning permission which the applicants sought from Dublin Corporation. Dublin Corporation granted their appeal and refused outline planning permission. The case went to the Minister for Local Government for his decision, but they were not notified of the fact.
The case cannot be debated here.
This is a very important question.
Every time the Deputy stands up it is an important question. It is after 4 o'clock.
If there is an appeal to the Minister——
Would the Deputy please sit down?
The public notice draws the attention of people to any proposed developments in their area.
In this case——
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.