(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Local Government the number of piggeries at present operating in the urban area of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Piggeries.
110.
This information is not available in my Department.
(Dublin Central): Would the Minister not agree that the siting of piggeries in the centre of Dublin is undesirable.
This matter was discussed very fully some years ago. A survey carried out in 1970 disclosed that there were 182 piggeries in the city. I have not got the present figures but the by-laws concerning the keeping of swine submitted by Dublin Corporation were confirmed on 21st November, 1969. The matter is one for Dublin Corporation. The Department of Local Government have approved the by-laws put forward by the corporation for the purpose of dealing with this situation but apparently the by-laws have not been operated and I cannot force the corporation to put them into operation.
(Dublin Central): I appreciate the Minister's situation but the siting of piggeries in central Dublin is creating many problems. Perhaps the Minister might use his influence with Dublin Corporation in regard to the matter.
I suggest that the new Dublin Commissioners might use their influence with Dublin Corporation in this regard.
It might be helpful if the Minister would indicate Deputy Fitzpatrick's concern to the corporation on the matter.
It might be helpful if I were to ask them why they are not carrying out the bye-laws which were made by them and approved by my predecessor. I agree that it is not a good idea to have piggeries in the centre of our capital city.
This situation is creating very great problems.
It has been creating problems for a number of years but in 1970 it was dropped suddenly, like a hot potato, when the by-laws asked for were sanctioned. I do not know why that happened.
Can the Minister say whether the establishment of piggeries is an exempted function in relation to Town Planning Acts?
Not unless they are on agricultural holdings and there are not many of those within sight of Dublin city.
There are, now that the city has moved out considerably into agricultural areas.