Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - Local Authority Executive Powers.

Seamus Brennan

Ceist:

99 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether county managers should be sensitive in the use of their executive power to locate halting sites in mature residential areas; if he has satisfied himself that the availability of this power is proper in accordance with the devolution of power to local authorities in view of the fact that the use of the power can overrule the democratic wishes of the elected members of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/96]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Ms McManus)

It is a matter for local authorities to utilise, as appropriate, the powers, both reserved and executive, conferred on them by legislation to further the programme for which they are responsible including the provision of halting sites for the accommodation for travellers. The report of the Task Force on the Travelling Community made recommendations on the operation of the various legislative provisions on the accommodation of travellers, including the provisions in relation to Managers' executive powers. I will be considering the recommendations in detail after the Government has considered the report of the interdepartmental working group on the implementation of the task force report.