asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the land speculation that continues within the built up areas of this country's towns and cities, he will consider reforming the compulsory purchase legislation and introduce legislation which will result in the municipal ownership of urban land in this country.

8.

asked the Minister for the Environment if he envisages any possibility of speeding up the Compulsory Purchase Order procedure; whether he agrees that the present system is a major contributory factor to urban plight; and if he has any proposals for more basic reform.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

It is not the intention to introduce legislation which would have the result envisaged by Deputy Quinn, but the legislation dealing with the compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities is under examination with a view to preparing proposals to consolidate existing law and to remove certain defects in existing procedures.

While I agree that the present CPO system may contribute to delays in the acquisition of land for redevelopment by local authorities, I doubt that it is a major factor in relation to urban plight. Responsibility for urban renewal is not solely a matter for local authorities. Most redevelopment work in central city and urban areas falls to be undertaken by private developers. The problem is a complex one affected by many factors but as far as redevelopment by local authorities is concerned, an important factor is that in present circumstances the availability of financial resources to finance redevelopment is necessarily limited because of the need to meet more urgent requirements such as housing, roads, water and sewerage.

I would certainly like to see a more expeditious procedure for compulsory purchase of land but it must not be forgotten that the procedure must take account of constitutional requirements and is designed to give adequate notice to persons affected, to ensure that they are dealt with fairly and as far as possible to avoid imposing unnecessary hardship. The possibilities for introducing a more expeditious procedure are, therefore, severely limited.

Am I right in asking if what the Minister is saying is that he agrees that he is unhappy with the rate of progress with regard to compulsory purchase order areas and that he is actively pursuing ways and means of telescoping the situation time-wise?

Is the Deputy asking if he is right in assuming that I am unhappy with this?

Yes.

That is correct.

Does the Minister accept that there is not the reason for complacency that might be implied in his answer with regard to the time limit, as some areas in the city of Dublin, for example, have been under talk of CPO for over two decades, 21 or 22 years? Accordingly, I ask him if he will agree that there is a great urgency about tackling the situation because it does create plight.

I would accept that if there are delays to the extent that the Deputy mentions. If he will bring such delays to my notice, I will look into them immediately.

Arising out of the last question, I understand from the reply that the Minister does not feel that municipal ownership of urban land is necessary. If that is the case, does he feel that Dublin Corporation should have to pay £100,000 an acre for a coalyard which is the price we have had to pay for housing land in the city of Dublin?

I am unaware what Dublin Corporation paid for a coalyard. I believe building houses is a far greater priority than sinking money into land which may not be used for a number of years. I am also mindful of the fact that private development is responsible for a large percentage of house building even in the Dublin area.

We are sinking that money at the moment.