asked the Minister for Local Government when he will sanction the plans submitted in respect of Tower sewerage scheme, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water and Sewerage Grants.
97.
I understand that in view of likely future developments in the area the local authority intend to submit revised and updated proposals for this scheme. They did not proceed with the one they produced in 1969.
The new ones have not come yet?
No.
98.
Mr. Kitt
asked the Minister for Local Government if the promoters of a group water supply scheme are required to obtain planning permission to extend the pipeline along the main county council road from an existing water supply scheme; and, if so, if he will have such development exempted so as to avoid unnecessary expense and delay.
By virtue of class 31 of Part 1 of the Schedule to the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 (Exempted Development) Regulations, 1967, the connection of any premises to a water main, including the breaking open of any street or other land for that purpose, is exempted development. Any question as to what in any particular case is or is not development or exempted development may be referred to me for decision under section 5 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963. The consent of the local authority is of course required for opening any road notwithstanding any exemption from planning control which may be in operation.
Mr. Kitt
I am very grateful to the Minister. He is a common-sense man like myself. He was a member of a local authority and he helped me out in another case. I would be very grateful if he would send that reply to our county engineer because it is stupid for us to pass good legislation here if one individual can hold it up. I have a case in mind where a group have public liability taken out, they have permission to open the road——
I must dissuade the Deputy from making a statement.
Mr. Kitt
——but they cannot proceed because one individual insists they should get planning permission to make a simple connection. I should like the reply sent to our county engineer and any other engineers who are holding up progress.
If Galway County Council require groups to obtain planning permission to extend the group water scheme they are the only authority to do so.
Mr. Kitt
If the Minister would send that reply to our county engineer it would help us.
Perhaps the Deputy would send a copy himself?
Mr. Kitt
I shall send it also.