andMr. Cluskey asked the Minister for Local Government if he will take all measures at his disposal to preserve the open area of greenery at Mount Pleasant, Dublin in view of the diminishing green belt within the city boundaries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Preservation of Dublin Open Space.
6.
I have previously indicated that my decision to allow development on the frontage of Mount Pleasant Square will not seriously diminish the open space and that there is no question of the public being denied the use of even a small portion of open space to which they formerly had access. In this connection I would refer the Deputies to what I said on 1st February when concluding the debate on the Estimate for my Department. The relevant portion can be found in Cols. 231 and 232 of Vol. 232, No. 2.
I believe that my decision on the appeal will help to secure the preservation of the remainder as an open space and assist those who wish it to fulfil its function more adequately.
Would the Minister not agree, in relation to his decision with regard to the appeal, that the interests of an individual would appear to have taken precedence over the needs and interests of the community? Is the Minister further aware that this decision has given rise to wide public comment as to what motivated him to give a decision in favour of an individual that would be contrary to the best interests of the community?
With regard to the first part of the question, the answer is "No", and with regard to the second part, the answer is that I am aware that there has been public comment.
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