asked the Minister for Local Government whether an Inspector from his Department has yet visited Athenry to inquire into the housing conditions in that town, and, if so, can he state the nature of his report, and whether any action has been recommended with a view to effecting an improvement in the present conditions?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - HOUSING CONDITIONS IN ATHENRY.
A report has just been received from an Inspector of the Ministry who visited Athenry and made inquiries as to the need for additional housing accommodation. The report indicates that there are (a) 6 cases of houses entirely unfit for habitation; (b) 16 in which houses are unsanitary by overcrowding; and (c) 13 requiring proper sanitary accommodation.
As soon as State aid is again available for rural housing, the Loughrea Rural District will be urged to provide houses under the Labourers' Acts to meet the requirements of Athenry. I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to a question addressed on the 7th February in regard to the resumption of State aid for rural housing.