asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement in relation to the provision of open space at Maguire's land, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin; and if he is aware of the anxiety of the people of the area concerning recent reports about the cost per acre of the land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Open Space.
21.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the development for housing and flats on a site at Newtownpark House, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin for which outline permission was given on 15th September, 1976, arising from a third party appeal against a decision by Dublin County Council. Conditions attached to the outline permission included a requirement that the detailed plans to be submitted for approval should provide for the reservation of a total not less than 11 acres as open space for public recreational facilities. It is understood that the planning authority have received an application for compensation under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, from the owner and the developer, and that this claim was received on 11th March, 1977, and is being examined. The matter is one for the planning authority and it would not be appropriate for me to make a statement.
Is the Minister aware that the people attempting to develop this are looking for £55,000 per acre compensation and would the Minister agree that such a figure is not reasonable, that it is outrageous?
It would not be right that I should make a comment. As Deputy Andrews knows, I have no function at this stage. I am quite sure it will be adequately dealt with by the people concerned.
Will the Minister at any stage have any function or will it be a matter for the Planning Appeals Board?
The consideration of compensation in the first instance is a matter for the planning authority, and in the absence of agreement between the parties, section 68 of the Act, provides that payment shall be determined by arbitration.
The Minister will agree that land for open spaces has already been designated as open spaces. Consequently, it seems rather odd that the developers are seeking compensation for land already designated for open spaces. Will the Minister agree with me——
Deputy Andrews is aware that I am not in a position to make a comment on this at the present time. It is a matter for arbitration and although Deputy Andrews may pose a question, I am not in a position to answer it or to comment on it.
I did not, unfortunately, hear the first part of the Minister's reply. I think the Minister must agree that, having regard to the fact that planning permission has already been given by a Minister of the present Government and that a claim now is being made for £55,000 per acre for land already designated as open spaces, this claim is wrong socially and from every other viewpoint.
The arbitrator will decide that.