asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider compulsory acquisition of land near towns where services are available which would facilitate industrial development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Development Land.
25.
I presume the Deputy has in mind the powers of local authorities in this matter. These authorities have adequate powers to acquire, either by agreement or compulsorily, lands for industrial development and the exercise of this function is a matter for the authorities themselves.
May I mention one town in my constituency where suitable sites for industries are not available but do exist? The sites are serviced but the local authorities are slow in acquiring them. Industrialists are satisfied with this particular town, probably with others too, and the development associations are doing a wonderful job. Could anything be done to bring industries to such towns by making quick compulsory acquisitions, or would the Minister favour the local authority acquiring such sites?
They have the authority to do it under section 77 of the Act.
They are very slow about it.