asked the Minister for Local Government whether Dublin Corporation are owners of premises at the junction of Cuffe Street and St. Stephen's Green West; if so, if he will take action, or state what action private citizens may take, to oblige the corporation to put at least the exterior of the premises into a presentable condition; and if, having regard to the number of local authority owned derelict sites which are eyesores, he is satisfied with the adequacy of the Derelict Sites Act, 1961, to deal with the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Properties.
39.
Dublin Corporation have acquired the leasehold interest in this property for the purpose of a road improvement scheme. Pending demolition, the care of the premises is a matter for the corporation and any complaints regarding the present appearance of the property should be addressed to that body.
As regards the last part of the question, the Derelict Sites Act, 1961, is not applicable to sites owned by the corporation. Some sites held by the corporation may remain undeveloped for a considerable time. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as delay in obtaining possession of all the property required to secure areas of convenient shape for redevelopment, the need to acquire additional property, or the need to determine the future street pattern for the areas concerned before redevelopment can be commenced. It is a matter for the corporation to decide when redevelopment of any particular site should be undertaken and what steps may need to be taken in the meantime to keep it in a presentable condition.
Is not the main reason that there is no money?
No.
Of course it is. They have sites all over the city but they cannot develop them because they have no money.
There is a compulsory purchase order before the High Court which is partially responsible for the delay in the demolition of this particular building. There is no truth in Deputy Belton's allegation.