asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Dublin Corporation's Planning Department has failed to implement actively the full extent and effect of the planning legislation in relation to a particular property (details supplied) in Dublin 6; if he will examine the record of the case including the correspondence recently sent to the Secretary of his Department; if he is of opinion that irregularities are occurring within the Planning Department of Dublin Corporation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Planning Legislation.
1.
Before calling on the Minister to reply, I would appeal to the House for consideration in respect of supplementary questions. Every intervention should be in the nature of a question and should refer to the question tabled.
, (Dublin South-East): As the Deputy is aware, the enforcement of planning control in their areas is a matter for the planning authority concerned, in this case Dublin Corporation. It is not a matter in which I exercise a direct function. Similarly it is a matter for the corporation to investigate any allegations of irregularity in the conduct of their planning functions. However, in view of the representations made, I have asked the Dublin City and County Manager for a full report on this matter. I will communicate further with the Deputy when this report has been received and considered.
I thank the Minister for his reply. As the Minister relates to an area in his and my constituency, he is probably familiar with it. Is he saying that the Dublin Corporation city manager will respond quickly, as this matter has been going on for ten years?
(Dublin South-East): I am not implying that the Deputy has insinuated that I would be influenced by the fact that this case is in my constituency. It would not matter——
I know.
(Dublin South-East):——where it was, I would feel confident, certainly having knowledge of the way in which the city manager conducts his work, about the prompt reply to the request made.
I am trying to be constructive. When was the report requested from the city manager and when does the Minister expect to get a reply?
(Dublin South-East): The city manager was requested on 1 June and obviously I cannot anticipate when the reply will come, but I imagine it will be very shortly.