asked the Minister for Local Government why he gave approval for the building of houses on the LPYMA sports ground at Ennis Road, Limerick, which was zoned by Limerick Corporation as an open space for recreational purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Sports Ground.
25.
I decided that permission be given for the use of this private sports ground for housing having regard to all the submissions made by the parties in this appeal.
My decision was made on the 8th May, 1975. I am informed that the matter has since been settled locally by agreement between Limerick Corporation and the LPYMA. I welcome this outcome.
Since the Deputy who tabled this question is not present——
Has the Deputy a question?
——can the Minister say whether any representations have been made on behalf of the LPYMA to any member of the Coalition Government?
That is a separate question.
It deserves a separate answer because allegations have been made to the effect that certain members of the Coalition approached the Minister. These allegations are without any foundation whatsoever.
This seems to be irrelevant.
It might clear the air for me to say that there were no representations and that the deputation which somebody suggested was led by Deputy Coughlan did not reach me even if it started from Limerick.
It did not start in Limerick. Where is Deputy O'Malley?
He was here all morning when Deputy Coughlan was elsewhere.
I was looking after my business.
Deputy O'Malley was here when the Minister went away for lunch.
Let this disorder cease.
Can the Minister say whether, in deciding this planning appeal there was any question of an offer of land at an alternative location being made available by the religious authorities concerned and, if so, if that was a factor in the decision?
There is a report on the file to the effect that the religious authorities, who are the local Protestant authorities, were prepared to offer a larger alternative site for their own use because they insisted that the grounds were private.