asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether in view of the relatively small number of houses erected by the Dublin Corporation during the past six years and the urgent need for the erection of a much larger number of houses to accommodate families at present compelled to live in slums and under overcrowded conditions he proposes to take any special steps to accelerate the erection of houses by the Dublin Corporation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Erection of Houses in Dublin.
The rate of building progress by the Dublin Corporation continues to receive my attention. Owing to temporary financial difficulties on the part of the corporation which are now at an end, progress was retarded last year. I am satisfied that every effort is being made by the corporation and the manager to secure the maximum amount of rehousing and the immediate prospects can be regarded as satisfactory.
In reply to a question last week, the Minister indicated that 1,000 houses were built by the Corporation last year. Is the Minister satisfied with that rate of progress or what are his ambitions as regards house-building in Dublin?
I am not satisfied that 1,000 houses per year represents satisfactory progress. I am hoping that arrangements will be made by the Corporation to double that number during the coming year and for some years to come.
Does the Minister believe that that hope can be realised?
I think that the Corporation will go very close to realising it during the coming year.