asked the Minister for Local Government if there are any plans before him to re-site the Tailors Hall, Dublin; and if he will make a general statement on the proposed development of the Liberties in Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin City Development.
111.
I have no knowledge of any plans of the kind referred to in the first part of the question. The matter referred to in the second part of the Question is the responsibility of Dublin Corporation. I am not aware that the corporation have yet formulated comprehensive proposals for the development of the Liberties area.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister aware that the new road plan published by Dublin Corporation will infringe on the rights of some people living in the Liberties and will he ensure that, when the plan comes before him for sanction, he will take the views of the Liberties Association into consideration?
I have met members of the Liberties Association and I can assure the Deputy that this proposal, or any other proposal that comes before me, will have my personal consideration.
(Dublin Central): These people fear that the proposal will result in wiping out the community of the Liberties.
It has not been sent yet to the Department for sanction.
I appreciate that the matter is one of the local authority rather than for the Minister, but the Liberties constitute a very good example of what could be done in regard to urban renewal and, perhaps, what should not be done if it goes a certain way. Is the Minister aware that, from a national point of view, there is a danger that the correct form of urban renewal will not be carried out unless the Minister takes legal powers to do more than he is entitled to do now even by way of taking the Liberties as a pilot scheme? Would the Minister accept that there is a danger, if he operates only within the existing legal power, that this whole area may go wrong from the point of view of urban renewal?
I think Deputy Colley is suggesting that I should attempt to take from the Dublin Commissioners some of the powers which they have, because this is the only way in which it would be possible to do what the Deputy suggested.
I agree that this was an example of urban renewal and I am amazed that down through a number of years people who were born and bred in Dublin city and who were in a position to do something about this matter did nothing to prevent what has taken place in the Liberties area.
The Minister is missing the point. There is now an opportunity for a worthwhile urban renewal development in the Liberties area as an example to the entire country of what could be done.
I agree.
There are proposals for a road scheme and for other development schemes in the area but the point I am making is that this is the time when something can be done. I am not making a political point but I am suggesting that, if the Minister does not acquire more legal power, this project may go wrong in terms of urban renewal.
I am sure the Deputy is anxious to be helpful but he is aware that the Liberties, like other areas of Dublin, were denuded of their population down through the years. I agree that something should be done now. The Dublin Commissioners are the people who will make the decision that will be sent to me, but until such time as I receive details of their decision, I cannot say what will happen. I trust that the commissioners will apply their minds to the problem and I will do my share at the appropriate time.
There are certain ways in which the Minister can help considerably.
I will help in any way I can.
If the plan which will come before the Minister is controversial could the Minister refer it to a public inquiry before reaching a decision?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy knows the answer to that better than I know it.