asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the proposals to develop the Phoenix Park extension, Dublin.

The principal development proposals for the Phoenix Park extension have been held up by other proposals for the area made by Dublin Corporation for road widening and a new sewer. Negotiations with the corporation on these matters are proceeding.

The Parliamentary Secretary informed me on a previous occasion that there was difficulty about the provision of an 18-hole golf course. I have been informed that it may be possible to have the complete course by using certain ramp methods adopted in other countries in relation to the dual carriageway proposals. I have been told this by an engineer and perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary would have it checked.

We have not got the finalised proposals for the road widening——

They have been changed several times.

There are two factors involved—the sewerage scheme and the road widening proposals. The sewerage scheme will not interfere with the golf course but we have not received final proposals regarding the road widening project from the corporation. If they proceed in line with their present proposals it may be that the 18-hole golf course may have to be reduced.

Regardless of the use to which the area is finally put, could certain grassing and levelling work be proceeded with?

We are doing certain things about the matter. Progress is being made in the negotiations with the VEC regarding a plot of land they are seeking to lease from us. Proposals are being considered to develop some of the State-owned land on the north bank of the Liffey as an amenity area.

The Minister for Education has told me that the VEC proposals were not being proceeded with. This contradicts what the Parliamentary Secretary has said. If the work is to be delayed, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider allowing the plot holders one season on the plots while they are waiting for the land to be dealt with?

This question was brought up before by the Deputy.

They cannot get alternative land.

The Deputy sought permission for the plot holders to be left there for the last season. We had to put them out because we thought the corporation would expedite their plans but they have not done so.

The Parliamentary Secretary does not know the corporation as well as I do.

I understand the Deputy's wife is on that august body. Perhaps she might help to expedite the matter.

She is not on the planning committee.

129.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the designing of a proper landscape plan for the Phoenix Park, Dublin, which will be put into effect there as soon as possible.

I am advised that a new landscape plan for the Phoenix Park is neither necessary nor desirable.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider employing a landscape architect to advise him on the matter?

We have a landscape architect in our employment in a temporary capacity and certainly I will ask his advice. I am told he is a very able man and an expert in that sphere. However, I do not think that Dublin people would like to see the Phoenix Park changed.

I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary will agree that nothing is perfect in this world, that there is nothing that cannot be improved, including Parliamentary Secretaries.

It is a matter of taste. I do not believe the people of Dublin would like any interference with the Phoenix Park.

130.

asked the Minister for Finance whether the replanting of trees in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, has commenced; and if he considers that it is important that this should be done immediately, as many of the trees will die within the next 30 years.

Some trees were planted in the Phoenix Park in 1973 and 1974 and as I informed the Deputy on 26th November, 1974, a general treeplanting programme for the park is at present under consideration. I am advised that the statement that many of the trees in the Phoenix Park will die within the next 30 years is not well founded.

This question is also relevant to the supplementaries I asked on the previous question. Will the Parliamentary Secretary indicate how many trees were planted in the years mentioned and their locations?

Although work on a full programme has not advanced, a small number of trees has been planted in the last few years in the People's Garden, in Áras an Uachtaráin and in other areas of the park. A large number of shrubs has been planted in these areas.