Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, stated that development on flood plains should be avoided, where possible, and that development should mitigate, not add to, existing risk. Mallow Town Park is located on a flood plain. It was owned by the Jephson family, which also owned Mallow Castle. A descendant of that family sought to have the Mallow town development plan materially contravened in order that the land within the flood plain might be developed. There has been a constant battle on Mallow Town Council in respect of this matter. The people of Mallow want to ensure that the park will be held by them in perpetuity for the common good. In light of the Minister of State's comments, will the Government entertain the possibility of compulsorily purchasing the land in question in order that it might be held for the people?

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