Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 31 May 1990

Vol. 399 No. 5

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Planning Decisions.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

2 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent report (details supplied) of the excessive use of section 4 type planning decisions in Dublin County Council; if he is concerned about the possible conflicts of interest in the making of these decisions; if he will introduce legislation to eliminate the perceived abuses of section 4 planning decisions; if, having regard to the need for orderly and balanced development in the Dublin area, he intends to meet the city and county manager and county councillors to discuss these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Flynn

My attention has been drawn to a recent article in a Sunday newspaper, which is the report referred to by the Deputy. In so far as the question of new legislation is concerned, Deputies will be aware that the Government propose to bring forward proposals for the reorganisation and reform of local government and the matter is currently under active consideration. One of the matters which is being considered in this regard is the operation of aspects of the Planning Acts, including "section 4". The question of any legislative changes found necessary will be addressed in the context of the general reform of local government law which arises as part of the general reform of our local representative bodies.

In so far as conflict of interest occurs, Deputies will know that the planning code already requires the registration of interests by members of a planning authority, the failure of which is a punishable offence.

The development plan is the planning authority's policy document which guides planning decisions. I regret that the completion of the review of Dublin County Council's current plan is already two years overdue. My Department, by letter of 1 May 1990, conveyed my concern to the county council at the slow pace of the review. I am, however, confident that it will be completed within the permitted extended period up to 31 March 1991. While I have no proposals to meet the council, I will be monitoring the position and if considered necessary I will arrange a meeting with the council.

Mr. Quinn

Would the Minister not agree that there is now grave public disquiet to the effect that many people suspect that some Fianna Fáil councillors are being corruptly interfered with in the manner in which they are pushing forward section 4 type resolutions and that one particular councillor — Councillor Pat Dunne — has admitted that one beneficiary, the largest single beneficiary of such companies — Bovale Limited who obtained three separate permissions totalling 700 houses — had, in fact, contributed funds to the Fianna Fáil Party? In these published and undisputed circumstances in The Sunday Tribune of 27 May 1990, would the Minister not agree that he has an obligation to meet, without delay, the members of his party who have brought the role of the public representative so much into disrepute?

Mr. Flynn

I must reject the essence of what the Deputy has said. I would remind him that the newspaper report which he relies on in this regard lists the extent of section 4 and material contravention procedures that have been proposed by various councillors and by various parties. The report makes it quite clear that it is not suggesting any wrongdoing in the fact that some councillors are more involved in the process than others. I should also point out that the editorial in the same newspaper, on the same day, also emphasised that there is no evidence whatsoever that any financial inducements have been received by any of the councillors concerned.

The Deputy will be aware of the Government sub-committee and the other committee of experts who are at this time involved in the review of the whole question of local government. It will be open to any one individual or group to make submissions on the section 4 question. It will then be for the ministerial committee to decide what actions might be taken on the use of section 4 in relation to planning matters.

Mr. Quinn

Would the Minister not concede that while there is no evidence to link party contributions with the beneficiaries or the councillors or the party in this regard, there is no legal requirement for such donations to be published anywhere and the objective evidence of planning permission for over 2,600 houses being granted in areas where the county council did not want them to so occur at land prices which were far less than market values, would suggest they should be, all lead the ordinary person in the street into a very unsavoury conclusion from this circumstantial evidence? Will he not agree, therefore, that he should meet the councillors or have the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment who is still, I understand, a member of the council, meet with those councillors to convey the sense of disquiet this House no doubt shares?

An Ceann Comhairle

We are having repetition in respect of this question.

Mr. Flynn

I accept there is some disquiet in this matter, but I am pleased to hear the Deputy's concern that there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest there is any linkage in these practices——

Mr. Quinn

No available evidence.

Mr. Flynn

"No evidence" is what the Deputy said——

Mr. Quinn

No requirement——

Mr. Flynn

——and I accept that, and, as he says, there is no requirement for political parties or anybody else for that matter to in any way publish what funds or assistance they get at election time.

An Ceann Comhairle

No. 3 please, Deputy Shatter's question.

Mr. Quinn

It is a scandal and the Minister should do something about it.

Mr. Flynn

All I can say is that it is certainly part of a review the Government sub-committee, of which I am chairman, are considering at this time. If the Deputy, his party or any individuals inside or outside the House have anything to contribute in that regard they should do so. It will certainly be given full consideration by me as chairman.