asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has received representations from the Laoighis County Board of Health concerning the present condition of the County Home at Mountmellick, Leix; whether he has received a request for sanction for a loan for the reconstruction of this building; and, if so, if he will state the amount of same and the annual charge for the repayment of the estimated cost of reconstruction; if he will state the cost of maintenance for the past two or three years; also, whether he has received an estimate for the erection of a new county home, and if he will state the amount of same and the annual charge for the repayment of any loan which he might be prepared to sanction for this purpose, and if he can now state the position of his Department in connection with this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leix Co. Home.
Inspectors of my Department having several times drawn attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the county home at Leix, and following representations made by my Department to the Board of Health, plans were submitted for improvements at an estimated cost of £17,000. On consideration of these plans, and after a full discussion between myself and a deputation from the Board of Health, it became evident that the building of a new home, besides being more generally suitable, would also be ultimately more economical. Previous experience in the conversion of workhouse buildings has always shown that further expensive repairs and renewals become necessary. The cost of maintenance for the last three years has averaged £432. It is estimated that a new home would cost £30,000, in respect of which the annual repayment would commence with 2.55d. in the £, diminishing each year. I am prepared to sanction a loan for this amount on a basis of thirty years.