asked the Minister for the Environment the action he proposes to take to counteract the extensive dereliction in the north inner city of Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin North Inner City Dereliction.
9.
Action in this area is primarily a matter for the local authority concerned — in this case Dublin Corporation — on foot of the wide powers available to counteract dereliction and to secure the redevelopment of land.
General powers to secure the development and renewal of those parts of an area which have become outmoded, derelict or obsolete are contained in the Planning Acts which enable the local authority to engage directly in urban renewal activity or to co-operate with private property owners or developers in this work.
The Dublin City Development Plan, which was adopted in 1980, and is the policy statement of the corporation for the planning and development of their area, contains a specific objective to have as many as possible of the derelict sites which were identified in a major survey of the inner city area cleaned up and suitably developed. It is the duty of the corporation to take such steps as may be necessary for securing that objective.
The Derelict Sites Act, 1961 contains specific powers to enable local authorities to secure the clearance, improvement or acquisition of derelict sites which are in a condition injurious to health or amenities. Other powers to combat dereliction are contained in the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964 which provides for clearance, acquisition or improvement of dangerous structures or places; the Housing Act, 1966, which, inter alia, contains provisions in regard to unfit housing; and the Litter Act, 1982, which provides for the combating of litter and for dealing with abandoned cars.